1966 Sarawak constitutional crisis
Encyclopedia
The 1966 Sarawak constitutional crisis took place in the state of Sarawak
, Malaysia. The crisis broke out after 21 out of 42 members of the state legislature declared that they did not have confidence in Stephen Kalong Ningkan
, the then chief minister of Sarawak. The 21 assemblymen wrote to the governor of Sarawak stating that they have lost confidence in the chief minister. The governor, Abang Haji Openg
, then requested Stephen to resign from the post, however, Stephen refused to resign. The governor then declared that Stephen has ceased to hold office and appointed Tawi Sli as the new chief minister.
Following the ouster, Stephen sued the governor and the court held that his ouster was illegal.
However following the court's decision, the federal government declared a state of emergency
in Sarawak in September 1966 and Tawi Sli was reinstated as chief minister.
It was widely believed that the ouster of Stephen was a result of interference by the federal government of Malaysia due to him being a strong advocate of greater state autonomy.
Sarawak
Sarawak is one of two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. Known as Bumi Kenyalang , Sarawak is situated on the north-west of the island. It is the largest state in Malaysia followed by Sabah, the second largest state located to the North- East.The administrative capital is Kuching, which...
, Malaysia. The crisis broke out after 21 out of 42 members of the state legislature declared that they did not have confidence in Stephen Kalong Ningkan
Stephen Kalong Ningkan
Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan was the first Chief Minister of Sarawak . As the executive of a newly-independent state which helped to form Malaysia, Kalong faced many challenges from within the state and from Sarawak's neighbour, Indonesia.- Personal life :Kalong was born on 20 August...
, the then chief minister of Sarawak. The 21 assemblymen wrote to the governor of Sarawak stating that they have lost confidence in the chief minister. The governor, Abang Haji Openg
Abang Haji Openg
Tun Abang Haji Openg was the first Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sarawak ,upon the independence of Sarawak from Great Britain and formation of Malaysia in 1963.Before that, the position of Governor of Sarawak was held by a British officer appointed by Queen Elizabeth II and her precursor,King George...
, then requested Stephen to resign from the post, however, Stephen refused to resign. The governor then declared that Stephen has ceased to hold office and appointed Tawi Sli as the new chief minister.
Following the ouster, Stephen sued the governor and the court held that his ouster was illegal.
However following the court's decision, the federal government declared a state of emergency
State of emergency
A state of emergency is a governmental declaration that may suspend some normal functions of the executive, legislative and judicial powers, alert citizens to change their normal behaviours, or order government agencies to implement emergency preparedness plans. It can also be used as a rationale...
in Sarawak in September 1966 and Tawi Sli was reinstated as chief minister.
It was widely believed that the ouster of Stephen was a result of interference by the federal government of Malaysia due to him being a strong advocate of greater state autonomy.