Vernon L. Porritt, The Rise and Fall of Communism in Sarawak, 1940-1990. Melbourne: Monash University Press, 2004. ISBN 876924276. 361 pp. Map, illustrations, appendices, bibliography, index.
Dr. Porritt has done a distinct service to Bornean history by expertly and clearly chronicling the Sarawak Communists' prolonged mini-insurgency. Be advised, however, that this is a precise, academic study, not designed to be entertaining.
The author reminds the reader that he is writing about the days when the Cold War raged: impolite invective saturated the ether; the Sarawak authorities vilified their belligerent opponents, while they in turn demonized "The Imperialists."
Leaving the author to itemize the several names and acronyms adopted by the Sarawak Communist Organization from time to time, I have chosen to link them together under one nom-de-guerre: O (for "Organization"), the symbol it adopted in its early years when reproaching itself for being "Unworthy of assuming the glorious …
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