In 1888, Sarawak, Brunei, and what is now Sabah were at last grouped together as a British protectorate, North Borneo, but it did not gain the status of a crown colony.
Attempts were made before 1888 to group the three together. 
mnli hypothesis: Attempts were made before 1888 to group the three together.  premise: In 1888, Sarawak, Brunei, and what is now Sabah were at last grouped together as a British protectorate, North Borneo, but it did not gain the status of a crown colony.