Mat Salleh Rebellion incited in North Borneo

Background. Before the arrival of the British North Borneo Chartered Company, central authority in North Borneo was weak. The company set up its initial administrative centres on the west coast, at Papar and Tempassuk. Mat Salleh's family had moved to Sugut, which, unlike Inanam, lay within the company's concession but, after the abandonment of its tobacco estates, had reportedly been "left largely to its own devices" and enjoyed relative autonomy. Mat Salleh first came to the company's attention when he was suspected of involvement in the murder and robbery of two Iban traders on the Sugut River in 1894.

Grievances and Petition. In August 1895, Mat Salleh and traditional chiefs from Sugut traveled to Sandakan, the seat of government, to present a petition. They sought to address grievances regarding the collection of poll-tax and the imposition of passes on boats by government chiefs. This attempt to use colonial institutions for redress preceded the violent outbreak.

Arrest and Outbreak. On 29 August 1895, company representatives arrived at Mat Salleh's home in Jambongan to arrest him and four followers. The grounds were disturbing the peace at Sandakan and involvement in the 1894 murders. This arrest triggered Mat Salleh to wage war against the North Borneo Chartered Company, marking the incitement of the rebellion.

Fortification. From 1895 to 1897, Mat Salleh had at his disposal at least six forts which were well-prepared with resources and manpower that he could mobilise at short notice.