[5] His service record was viewed as exceptional, and because of that, he was later announced as the new governor and commander-in-chief for Sarawak by Lord Listowel, minister of state for colonial affairs, to replace Charles Arden-Clarke.

Stewart had only been the Governor of Sarawak[6] for a couple of weeks and was on his first official visit in the colony, to the town of Sibu on 3 December 1949.

[9][10] After inspecting an honour guard and meeting a group of school children, a youth (Moshidi bin Sedek) walked towards him holding a camera claiming to want a picture.

Despite suffering a deep stab wound, Stewart is reported to have tried to carry on until blood began to seep through his white uniform.

[9][10] Documents released in the late 20th century indicate that the British Government knew that Brooke was not involved, but chose not to reveal the truth of the matter so as not to provoke Indonesia.