Childhood and Education Journey of Stephen Kalong Ningkan in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Stephen Kalong Ningkan. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

August 1920: Stephen Kalong Ningkan's Birth

Stephen Kalong Ningkan was born in August 1920 in Betong, Sarawak, which was under the administration of the Second Division of Sarawak.

August 1920: Birth of Stephen Kalong Ningkan

Stephen Kalong Ningkan was born in August 1920. He later became the first Chief Minister of Sarawak.

1948: Tony Shaw joined Sarawak civil service

In 1948, Tony Shaw, Cambridge-educated expatriate, joined Sarawak civil service.

1949: John Pike joined Sarawak civil service

In 1949, John Pike, an Oxford graduate expatriate, joined the Sarawak civil service.

April 1961: Established the Sarawak National Party

On April 10, 1961, Ningkan established the Sarawak National Party (SNAP) by uniting the Iban people of Saribas.

October 1962: Launched Sarawak chapter of the Alliance Party

In October 1962, as SNAP secretary-general, Ningkan launched the Sarawak chapter of the Alliance Party in anticipation of the 1963 district council elections.

1962: Land Committee produced report

In mid-1962, a Land Committee produced a report with recommendations to ensure the best use of land in the national interest.

September 1963: Haji Ghazali Jawi visited Sarawak

In September 1963, after the formation of Malaysia, Haji Ghazali Jawi visited Sarawak to assess the feasibility of opening an UMNO branch or allowing the merger of PANAS and BARJASA.

October 20, 1963: Death of Mok Ban Seng

On October 20, 1963, Mok Ban Seng, Stephen Kalong Ningkan's step-grandfather, passed away at the age of 93, a few months after Ningkan assumed the role of Chief Minister.

December 1963: Land Code (Amendment) Bill passed

In December 1963, the Land Code (Amendment) Bill was passed, establishing free issue of land title under Native Customary Rights (NCR) lands.

February 1964: Contents of land bills published

In February 1964, the contents of three land bills were published for public discussion to develop the NCR lands for large-scale plantations.

October 1964: UMNO decided against opening a branch in Sarawak

In October 1964, the UMNO general assembly decided that opening an UMNO branch in Sarawak was not feasible.

March 1965: Postponement of Tabling of Land Bills

The tabling of land bills in the Council Negri, originally scheduled for March 11, 1965, was postponed to May 11 for amendment of the Land (Native Dealings) Bill.

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.

July 1965: Operation Hammer Started

On July 6, 1965, during Ningkan's administration, Operation Hammer was started to resettle the Chinese living along the Kuching-Serian road into a fenced village.

August 1965: Singapore separated from Malaysia and SUPP proposed revising terms of incorporation

In August 1965, after Singapore separated from Malaysia, Stephen Yong Kuet Tze of SUPP proposed revising the terms of Sarawak's incorporation, which angered Ningkan.