Author Alex Ling Relives the Historical Journey of Sarawak

An insightful glimpse into history, Twilight of the White Rajahs shares the political power struggles that had shaped Sarawak's present. Created by author Alex Ling, this informative new book traces the fascinating events that had veered the path of Sarawak and the White Rajahs who have greatly influenced its political and historical framework.

A once-quiet and peaceful state in Borneo, Sarawak was awakened by the arrival of Gerald McBryan. An unscrupulous adventurer, he soon has the Rajah and Ranee eating out of his hand. The eminence grise of Rajah Vyner, he forces through decisions that have shaped what Sarawak is known today.

Twilight of the White Rajahs is set in the interwar and immediate postwar period of Sarawak. Vyner, like Henry VII of England, has inherited a tightly run ship of state. But his own playboy nature, the antics of his wife and - most important - his failure to produce a male heir, threaten the dynasty into which he was born. Outside forces also increase the pressure on his regime. War clouds in the Pacific and the South China Sea. Vyner's desire for self-determination, the bullying of the British Colonial Office, the turbulent wave of anti-cession created by the Rajah Muda, Peter Brooke all come into play as readers explore the political journey of the Kingdom of Sarawak.

Twilight of the White Rajahs recounts in fascinating detail the lives of the chief actors who participated in a war that everyone was determined to win at all costs. Highlighting the heated Sarawak battle and the cunning workings of its political leaders, this book paves way for a deeper understanding of the conflict that is necessary in building a country's growth and development.

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About the Author
Alex Ling Lee Soon, MA, LLB (Cantab.), has a keen interest in history in general, and a special interest in history of gold - its discovery, exploitation and influence on events. In writing this historical novel, he has had unprecedented access to original source material through interviews with some of those involved and their descendants, extensive oral histories and unpublished official records. Alex Ling was born in Bukit Lan, Sibu, which lies on the Rejang River, in 1945. He has graduate (1968) and postgraduate (1969) degrees in law from Cambridge University, England. He was called to the bar at Lincoln's Inn in 1970, and thereafter practised for two legal firms, Rodyk & Davidson and David Marshall, in Singapore. He later became actively involved in the timber business in Indonesia and Malaysia. He has since broadened his interests into the exploration and mining of gold, coal and other minerals, and banking. At the time of writing, he was the Managing Director of the Bukit Young Goldmine Sdn Bhd and Chairman of the Hock Hua Bank (Sabah) Berhad.

Twilight of the White Rajahs * by Alex Ling
Publication Date: March 13, 2013
Trade Paperback; AU$29.99; 386 pages; 978-1-4797-9165-1
Trade Hardback; AU$49.99; 386 pages; 978-1-4797-9166-8
Ebook; AU$3.99; 978-1-4797-9167-5

Members of the media who wish to review this book may request a complimentary paperback copy by contacting the publisher at 1-800-618-969. To purchase copies of the book for resale, please fax Xlibris at (02) 8088 6078 or call 1-800-618-969.

Xlibris books can be purchased at Xlibris bookstore. For more information, contact Xlibris at 1-800-618-969 or on the web at http://www.Xlibris.com.au.

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