1987 Ming Court Affair

The Ming Court Affair
Abdul Rahman Ya'kub answering questions regarding the political crisis at Ming Court Hotel on 10 March 1987
Date	September 1983–1991
Location	Sarawak, Malaysia
Caused by	Dispute between Abdul Rahman Ya'kub and Abdul Taib Mahmud The rise of Dayak nationalism
Goals	Removal of Abdul Taib Mahmud from the chief minister post
Methods	Motion of no confidence against Taib Mahmud Campaigned against Taib in 1987 and 1991 state elections
Resulted in	Dissolution of Sarawak State Legislative Assembly to pave the way for 1987 state election Taib Mahmud retained his chief minister post Dissolution of PERMAS party in 1991 Readmission of PBDS into Sarawak BN in 1994
Parties to the civil conflict
Sarawak Barisan National (BN) consisting of: Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Sarawak United Peoples' Party (SUPP) Sarawak National Party (SNAP) Maju group consisting of: Sarawak Malaysian People's Association (PERMAS) Parti Bansa Dayak Sarawak (PBDS)
Lead figures
Abdul Taib Mahmud Dr Wong Soon Kai James Wong Abdul Rahman Ya'kub Leo Moggie Daniel Tajem

The Ming Court Affair was a political coup in Sarawak, Malaysia that began in 1983, developed into a full-blown political crisis during 1987 state election, and ended after the Sarawak Malaysian People's Association (PERMAS) was dissolved in 1991. This political crisis mainly involved in the dispute between Abdul Rahman Ya'kub (former Sarawak chief minister) and his nephew Abdul Taib Mahmud (chief minister of Sarawak) over the control of the state government and Sarawak's natural resources.

Abdul Rahman Ya'kub was the third Sarawak chief minister, ruling from 1970 to 1981. He left his chief minister post to his nephew Abdul Taib Mahmud in 1981. Abdul Rahman then proceed to assume the ceremonial post of Governor of Sarawak from 1981 to 1985. Abdul Rahman had advocated his nephew for the chief minister post but the relationship soon turned sour after two years. This was because Abdul Rahman wanted Taib to take his advice while running the state government. Rahman's loyalists in Sarawak cabinet also tried to direct the distribution of the state's natural resources and the operation of governmental agencies according to Rahman's wishes. Taib continued Rahman's governing policy and inherited the whole Sarawak cabinet intact from his uncle. However, Taib soon grew frustrated with his uncle's control. Taib slowly replaced Rahman's loyalists with his own men. This has resulted in Rahman's displeasure over Taib.

During the opening ceremony of Tanjung Kidurong port of Bintulu in September 1983, Rahman criticised the federal government for breaking its promise of building a new airport in Bintulu while Taib was trying to deliver his own speech. Taib felt embarrassed by the action of his uncle and left the stage while his uncle was still speaking. Taib later made a public apology on the incident and handed over his resignation letter to Abdul Rahman. Rahman declined the resignation of Taib because Rahman himself also handed over a resignation letter to Yang di-Pertuan Agong to vacate his governor's seat. However, Rahman was persuaded by Yang di-Pertuan Agong to stay until his term expires in April 1985.