Order of the Star of Sarawak
Encyclopedia
The Most Excellent Order of the Star of Sarawak(lit: 'Darjah Yang Amat Gemilang Bintang Sarawak') was the highest state order during the days of the Kingdom of Sarawak
. Instituted on 26 June 1929, The Order consisted of:
The three ordinary ranks of members are:
The Motto of the Order was 'Haraplah sa-lagi bernafas', which is also the Sarawak state motto. The motto is the translation of the Latin phrase Dum Spiro Spero
, which literally means 'As long as I breathe, I hope'.
No appointment has been made since 1946, as the Order became obsolete when Sarawak became part of a British Colony in 1946. In 1964, the post-independence government of Sarawak revived the order and renamed it The Most Illustrious Order of the Star of Sarawak
(Darjah Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Sarawak),and in 1988, the order was renamed again as the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak, or Darjah Utama Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Sarawak
in Malay. However, the revived order has no connection whatsoever with the previous order except for the name.
With the death of the last known recipient, Elizabeth Choy
in 2006, the order became dormant in 2006.
Kingdom of Sarawak
The Kingdom of Sarawak was a state in Borneo established by Sir James Brooke in 1842 by receiving independent kingdom status from the Sultanate of Brunei as a reward for helping fight piracy and insurgency...
. Instituted on 26 June 1929, The Order consisted of:
- Sovereign
- Grand Master
The three ordinary ranks of members are:
- Master (MSS)-consists of breast star, sash, and sash badge.
- Companion (CSS)-a badge worn from a necklet.
- Officer (OSS)-a badge worn from a medal ribbon on the left breast.
The Motto of the Order was 'Haraplah sa-lagi bernafas', which is also the Sarawak state motto. The motto is the translation of the Latin phrase Dum Spiro Spero
Dum spiro spero
Dum spiro spero means "While I breathe, I hope" in Latin and is generally attributed to Cicero.It is a motto of various places and families.-States and Towns:*The notable origin of the motto is St Andrews, Fife, Scotland...
, which literally means 'As long as I breathe, I hope'.
No appointment has been made since 1946, as the Order became obsolete when Sarawak became part of a British Colony in 1946. In 1964, the post-independence government of Sarawak revived the order and renamed it The Most Illustrious Order of the Star of Sarawak
Sarawak state orders, decorations and medals
Sarawak state order and medals are presented by His Excellency The Governor of Sarawak to those who rendered exceptional and meritorious service or deeds to the State of Sarawak, the government and the people...
(Darjah Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Sarawak),and in 1988, the order was renamed again as the Most Exalted Order of the Star of Sarawak, or Darjah Utama Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Sarawak
Darjah Utama Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Sarawak
The Darjah Utama Yang Amat Mulia Bintang Sarawak is the highest state order in the state of Sarawak. It is conferred to those who rendered excellent service in the development of the state of Sarawak, and Malaysia as well. The Order was established in 1964, a year after the Sarawak's independence...
in Malay. However, the revived order has no connection whatsoever with the previous order except for the name.
With the death of the last known recipient, Elizabeth Choy
Elizabeth Choy
Elizabeth Choy-Yong Su-Moi OBE was a Singaporean war heroine, educator and councillor. Along with her husband, Choy Khun Heng, she supplied medicine, money and messages to British civilians interned in Changi Prison during the Second World War....
in 2006, the order became dormant in 2006.
Known recipients
Little is known about the recipients of this order,but there are three known recipients:- Datu Patinggi Abang Haji Abdillah (1862–1946): A Malay leader in Kuching, and also in Sarawak, renowned for his non-violent struggle against the cession of Sarawak to Britain. Recipient of MSS.
- Ong Tiang Swee (1864–1950): A renowned Chinese leader in Kuching. His grandson, Late Tan Sri Datuk Amar Ong Kee HuiOng Kee HuiTan Sri Datuk Amar Ong Kee Hui was a Malaysian Chinese politician and founder / leader of the Sarawak United People's Party ....
is a renowned politician. Recipient of CSS. - Elizabeth ChoyElizabeth ChoyElizabeth Choy-Yong Su-Moi OBE was a Singaporean war heroine, educator and councillor. Along with her husband, Choy Khun Heng, she supplied medicine, money and messages to British civilians interned in Changi Prison during the Second World War....
(1910–2006): Borneo-born Singaporean war heroine. Rajah Charles Vyner Brooke presented her with the Order in recognition of her work of assisting the British POWs during the Japanese occupation.