Walker giving his talk at Dewan Tun Razak yesterday.
KUCHING: A talk on ‘Building Authority: Charles Brooke, Legitimacy and the Built Environment in Sarawak 1865 – 1907’ was held at Dewan Tun Razak yesterday.
Presenting the talk to more than 70 participants was Dr John H Walker, a senior lecturer in international political studies at the University of New South Wales, Canberra, Australia.
“This paper explores the second Rajah of Sarawak’s search for and expression of authority following his accession to rulership in 1868,” said Walker.
He said that Charles’s early sponsorship of the Malay language text ‘Hikayat Panglima Nikosa’ explicitly links construction to prosperity and political legitimacy.
The paper also maps Charles’ early building programme which includes the relocation of forts, his encouragement of building more hygienic longhouses and the redevelopment of the iconic main bazaar.
“The Astana and the old court house reflect these physical developments mooted by Charles,” said Walker, adding further that both buildings represent the physical representation of his regime.
Meanwhile, talks relating to the state and global history organised by the Friends of Sarawak Museum will continue on a monthly basis.