NINE CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF THE ENGLISH RAJAH

NINE CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF THE ENGLISH RAJAH

ORDER N0. C-21 (CONSTITUTION) 1941

(An Order to provide for the future Government of Sarawak)

[Enacted 24th September, 1941]

[Gazette 24th September, 1941]

[Operation 24th September, 1941]

WHEREAS IN A PROCLAMATION dated 31 March 1941, We pronounced Our Will and INTENTION to commemorate the Centenary year of the government of Sarawak by English Rajahs by terminating for ever the Era of Autocratic Rule which has so far characterized OUR GOVERNMENT and by substituting therefor a CONSTITUTION whereby to bind Ourselves and Our Heirs and Successors in such manner as to ensure that Our BELOVED SUBJECTS shall ultimately enjoy their inherent right to control their own lives and destinies.

AND WHEREAS We are profoundly conscious of the responsibilities that are Ours by reason of the possession and enjoyment of Our UNIQUE HERITAGE by virtue of which We have become the TRUSTEE for the time being of the lives, welfare and future of persons of diverse races and creeds who are Our Subjects.

AND WHEREAS it appears to Us that the people of Sarawak have not yet attained that sufficient degree of advancement and education which would permit Us, with a proper and conscientious regard for their benefit and interests, to release to them the power of the governance of themselves.

AND WHEREAS, nevertheless, it seems to Us to be now right and proper that a step forward should be taken in the direction of the ultimate goal of the self-government of Our people.

AND WHEREAS, We do this day sign this Order which will inaugurate a CONSTITUTION designed to introduce into Sarawak a system of Government which we are convinced will contribute to the happiness, welfare and prosperity of Our people.

NOWTHEREFORE IS IT MEET that we should PRONOUNCE and DECLARE the PRINCIPLES of GOVERNMENT which have actuated Our predecessors and Ourselves during the one hundred years of the rule of the English Rajahs. And We do urge that these same PRINCIPLES which have brought peace and containment to Our people may serve to guide the MEMBERS of the COUNCILS of STATE who will hereafter be responsible for the good Government of Sarawak.

LET THE CARDINAL PRINCIPLES of the Rule of the English Rajahs as set out hereunder, therefore, ever be remembered:-

1. That Sarawak is the heritage of Our Subjects and is held in trust by Ourselves for them.
2. That social and educational services shall be developed and improved and the standard of living of the people of Sarawak shall steadily be raised.
3. That never shall any person or persons be granted rights inconsistent with those of the people of this Country or be in any way permitted to exploit Our Subjects or those who have sought Our protection and care.
4. That justice shall be easily obtainable and that the Rajah and every public servant shall be freely accessible to the public.
5. That freedom of expression both in speech and in writing shall be permitted and encouraged and that everyone shall be entitled to worship as he pleases.
6. That public servants shall ever remember that they are but the servants of the people on whose goodwill and co-operation they are entirely dependent.
7. That so far as may be Our Subjects of whatever race or creed shall be freely and impartially admitted to offices in Our Service, the duties of which they may be qualified by their education, ability and integrity duly to discharge.
8. That the goal of self-government shall always be kept in mind, that the people of Sarawak shall be entrusted in due course with the governance of themselves, and that continuous efforts shall be made to hasten the reaching of this goal by educating them in the obligations, the responsibilities, and the privileges of citizenship.
9. That the general policy of Our predecessors and Ourselves whereby the various races of the State have been enabled to live in happiness and harmony together shall be adhered to by Our successors and Our servants and all who may follow them hereafter.