The Rajah established his code to protect all Sarawakians, 10th April, 1842.
James Brooke, Esquire, governor (rajah) of the country of Sarawak, makes known to all men in the following regulations:
1. That murder, robbery and other serious crimes will be punished according to the ondong-ondong (i.e. the written law of Borneo) and no person committing such crimes will escape it, adter fair enquiry, he be proved guilty.
2. In order to ensure the good of the country, all men, whether Malays, Chinese or Dayaks are permitted to trade or labour according to their pleasure and enjoy their gains.
3. All roads will be open, that the inhabitants at large may seek profit both by sea and land and all boats coming from other parts are free to enter the river and depart, without let or hindrance.
4. Trade, in all its branches, will be free with the exception of antimony ore, which the governor holds in his own hands, but which no person is forced to work, and which will be paid for a proper price when obtained. The people are encouraged to trade and labour, and to enjoy the profits which are to be made by honest dealing.
5. It is ordered, that no person going against the Dayaks shall disturb them or gain their goods under false pretences. It must be clearly explained to the different Dayak tribes, that the revenue will be collected by the three Datus bearing the seal of the Governor, and (except this yearly demand from the government) they are to give nothing to any other person nor are they obliged to sell their goods except they please, and at their own prices.
6. The Governor will shortly inquire into the revenue, and fix it at a proper rate so that everyone may know certainly how much he has to contribute yearly to support the government.
7. It will be necessary likewise, to settle the weights, measures and money current in the country, and to introduce doits, that the poor may purchase food cheaply.
8. The governor issues these commands, and will enforce obedience to them, and whilst he gives all protection and assistance to the persons who act rightly, he will not fail to punish those who seek to disturb the public peace, or commit crimes, and he warns all such persons to seek their safety, and to find some other country where they may be permitted to break the laws of God and man.
