Syarif was annoyed by James Brooke who intruded Syarif's territory. Together with Datu Patinggi Abdul Gapur from Kuching, he opposed the Brooke rule over Sarawak. Others that who opposed the Brooke's rule are: Pangeran Ersat and his son Pangeran Nipa.
Syarif was displeased by James Brooke's intrusion into Syarif's land, prompting Syarif to collaborate with Datu Patinggi Abdul Gapur from Kuching to counter the Brooke dynasty's control over Sarawak. Other notable adversaries of the Brookes include Pangeran Ersat and his son Pangeran Nipa.