Sarawak - Selection of stamps of the 1955/57

Northwestern part of the island of Borneo, bordering on the South China. Former British Crown Colony. The last ruling Raja, who retired in 1946 when he ceded Sarawak to the British Crown, was Sir Charles Vyner Brooke, an Englishman. He inherited the title from his father, Sir Charles Johnson Brooke, who in turn received it  from his uncle, Sir James Brooke. The title of Raja was conferred on Sir James by Raja Muda Hassim after Sir James had aided him in subduing a rebellion. The title and right of succession were duly recognized by the Sultan of Brunei and by Great Britain. Sarawak joined the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.

Queen Elizabeth II