In 1675,Sultan Brunei asked Sultan Sulu to settle uprising conflicts, after which he was 'rewarded' with North Borneo.In 1878, the Sulu Sultan leased N Borneo to the Europeans. The agreement stated that the lease was of their own free will and was valid until the end of time. (the original words used in the agreement “ selagi ada bulan dan matahari”)
The sultanate received an annual cession* payment until today. NOT RENTAL. *Cession means to relinquish one’s right to a territory.
