Political Career
He returned to Betong and established the Sarawak National Party (SNAP) on 10 April 1961. Although he initially did not accept Tunku Abdul Rahman’s proposal on the formation of Malaysia, he eventually became a strong supporter of the federation. Ningkan never completed his law degree because he had to focus on his political activities and his post as the first chief minister of Sarawak. He also insisted that his party should be multiracial, given his background of having a Chinese grandfather and friends of various races. In the 1962 election, SNAP won many seats, earning him the trust to become the first Sarawak Chief Minister. In October 1962, Ningkan played an important role in forming Sarawak chapter of Alliance Party and served as its Secretary-General.
Read more about this topic: Stephen Kalong Ningkan
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