[5] James Brooke, an English explorer, learned that Hashim, the monarch of Sarawak, had demonstrated his friendliness toward Europeans when he arrived in Singapore on his expedition to the Far East.
Additionally, George Bonham, the British Governor of Singapore, requested that James convey to Pengiran Muda Hashim a letter of appreciation and some gifts for his kind treatment of the seamen.
Brooke sailed his schooner "Royalist" up the Sarawak River and moored off Kuching on 15 August 1839, and James was welcomed by him warmly.
[7] Pengiran Muda Hashim's initial encounter was described by one author as follows: "His appearance was not imposing but his manners were a pattern of courtesy and he maintained a certain shabby dignity.
Overall, their interactions were cordial enough that Hashim did solicit his assistance in putting down the rebels, but James Brooke denied since he didn't want to become involved.
[5] James Brooke and Sir Edward Belcher, a British naval commander, followed Pengiran Muda Hashim when he traveled back to Brunei from Sarawak in 1844.
[11] Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin II, was responsible for the assassination of Pengiran Muda Hashim, a close friend and ally of Brooke, in the early months of 1846.