Challenges Faced by Stephen Kalong Ningkan: Obstacles and Turning Points

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 17, 2026

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Stephen Kalong Ningkan. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Stephen Kalong Ningkan was a significant Malaysian politician, notably serving as the inaugural Chief Minister of Sarawak. He holds the distinction of being the first ethnic Iban to assume this prominent role, leading the state from 1963. His tenure as Chief Minister concluded in 1966 when he was removed from office. Ningkan's leadership marked a crucial period in Sarawak's early history within Malaysia, shaping its political landscape in the formative years following independence.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

May 1965: Negotiations to resolve the Sarawak government crisis

In May 1965, Ningkan refused to attend a meeting in Kuala Lumpur, stating that "Sarawak crisis must be settled in Sarawak". PESAKA decided to withdraw its support from Sarawak Native Alliance and rejoin the Ningkan's Sarawak Alliance. Ningkan compromised and allowed PANAS and BARJASA to rejoin Sarawak Alliance.

May 1965: Formation of Sarawak Native Alliance and withdrawal from Sarawak Alliance

In May 1965, PANAS, PESAKA, and BARJASA formed the Sarawak Native Alliance and BARJASA and PESAKA withdrew from Sarawak Alliance, costing the Alliance 22 seats and threatening the government. Ningkan withdrew the land bill. Three expatriates were removed from the Supreme Council.

1965: Pressure to Replace Expatriates

In 1965, the Sarawak Government Asian Officers Union (SGAOU) pressured the Sarawak government to replace expatriates, and Tunku Abdul Rahman supported SGAOU's view.

April 1966: Ningkan on Replacing Expatriates

In April 1966, Ningkan explained that he was ready to replace expatriates if the federal government provided financial support.

June 1966: Dismissal of Abdul Taib Mahmud and Political Intrigue

On 12 June 1966, Ningkan dismissed Abdul Taib Mahmud, the Minister of Communications and Works, citing loss of confidence and acknowledged a plot to overthrow him. On 13 June, the governor of Sarawak and dissident politicians went to Kuala Lumpur for a meeting. On 14 June, Tunku Abdul Rahman stated that he received a letter from the majority of the Council Negri members asking Ningkan to resign.

September 1966: High Court Reinstatement

In September 1966, Ningkan challenged the governor's actions in the Kuching High Court, which ruled in his favor on 8 September 1966. The court declared the governor's actions ultra vires and reinstated Ningkan, necessitating a formal vote of no confidence. The Chief Justice stated the governor could only dismiss the Chief Minister if the Chief Minister lost the confidence of the House and refused to resign.

September 1966: Removal from Chief Minister's Office

On 23 September 1966, a vote of non-confidence was passed in the Council Negri, resulting in Ningkan's second removal from the chief minister's office.

September 1966: Autonomy Demands and Confederation Idea

On 27 September 1966, Ningkan threatened to pull Sarawak out of Malaysia if autonomy demands regarding information, broadcasting, and customs were not met. He advocated for the North Borneo Confederation (Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei) and sought military protection from Britain, Australia, and New Zealand for an independent Sarawak, envisioning closer ties with Singapore. He attempted to persuade his supporters to declare no confidence in the new chief minister.

1966: Removal from office

In 1966, Stephen Kalong Ningkan was removed from his position as Chief Minister of Sarawak, ending his term in office.

1966: State of Emergency and Federal Intervention

In 1966, after Ningkan's reinstatement, he and SUPP tried to dissolve the Council Negri. However, the federal government imposed a state of emergency in Sarawak due to the perceived chaos. On 14 September, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong proclaimed a state of emergency. On 20 September, the Malaysian parliament amended the Sarawak Constitution to empower the state's governor to commence Council Negri meetings.

December 1967: Federal Court Decision on State of Emergency

On 1 December 1967, Ong Hock Thye, chief judge of Malaya, determined that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had the power to declare a state of emergency. He also stated that the parliament of Malaysia had the power to amend the constitution of Sarawak based on Article 150 of the federal constitution without consulting the governor of Sarawak. There was not enough evidence to suggest that the declaration of emergency was done without consideration of the security situation in Sarawak.

1967: Ningkan Opposes National Language Policy

In 1967, Stephen Kalong Ningkan opposed the National Language and Education policies, suggesting the introduction of the Malay language be deferred from 1967 to 1973. He argued Sarawak had a 10-year grace period to decide on adopting Malay as its official language. Tunku Abdul Rahman accused Ningkan of having a "hidden motive", believing the Dayaks who preferred English were influenced by "British imperialists."

August 1968: Privy Council Rejection

On 1 August 1968, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council rejected Ningkan's appeal, with Lord MacDermott stating there was no reason to doubt the gravity and threat to Sarawak's security during the emergency.