Selangor Residents' Trivia

After J.W.W. Birch’s murder in Perak, J.G. Davidson was transferred to replace him as Resident of Perak. J.P. Rodgers (1896-1901) and Frank Swettenham (1882-1889) both served as Residents in Selangor.

Campur Tangan British di Selangor

Menjelang akhir tahun 1873, kegiatan lanun dan rompakan semakin merebak di sepanjang pantai negeri Selangor. Keadaan itu tidak dapat dikawal dan ada antara putera sultan sendiri yang dikatakan terlibat dalam kegiatan tersebut.

Sebuah kapal dari Melaka milik rakyat British telah diserang oleh lanun di Langat yang merupakan tempat kediaman Sultan Abdul Samad. Lapan orang anak kapal rakyat British terbunuh. Putera Sultan Abdul Samad yang ketiga, Raja Yaakub disyaki bertanggungjawab ke atas rompakan itu. Pada akhir Disember 1873, sebuah lagi kapal dari Melaka telah diserang, tetapi tiada sebarang tindakan diabil. Lanun-lanun tersebut juga menyerang rumah api Tanjung Tuan awal Januari 1874. Rumah api tersebut telah didirikan oelh kerajaan British dengan kebenaran Sultan Abdul Samad.

Andrew Clarke meminta sultan membicarakan lanun-lanun yang ditangkapnya dan supaya membinasakan kubu-kubu lanun. Lanun-lanun tersebut didapati bersalah dan dijatuhkan hukuman bunuh. Tidak lama selepas itu, berlakunya satu rompakan di Kuala Labu yang dikatakan orang Raja Mahadi. Clarke meninggalkan seorang pegawai tadbir awam NNS, Frank Swettenham di Selangor untuk membantu sultan dalam urusan pemerintahan negeri sebagai penasihat tidak rasmi kepada sultan.

Sultan tertarik dengan kebolehan Swettenham dan tuliskan sepucuk surat ke Clarke menyatakan:

Sangatlah beta berterima kasih kepada sahabat beta yang telah menghantar seorang pegawai Inggeris . . . pegawai yang sahabat beta hantarkan itu terlalu pandai dan juga terlalu bijak dalam hal adat pemerintahan Melayu . . .

Sultan meminta Clarke melantk Swettenham menjadi penasihat baginda dan menawarkan negeri Selangor diletakkan di bawah naungan British. Pihak NNS tidak setuju dengan cadangan tersebut sebab Swettenham dianggap terlalu muda (umur 24 tahun). J.G. Davidson dilantik sebagai Residen, dan Swettenham dilantik sebagai Penolong Residen.

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References:

Ruslan Zainuddin. (2004). Sejarah Malaysia. Kursus Komprehensif Fajar Bakti. 2e

Perang Saudara Selangor 1866-73 (part 2)

Tengku Kudin dilantik sebagai Wakil Sultan sebagai usaha baginda mengusir Raja Mahadi, tapi perlantikannya dibantah oleh kerabat raja yang lain yang menganggapnya sebagai “orang luar”. Mereka bersatu tenaga untuk menetang Tengku Kudin.

Pada mulanya, Tengku Kudin menawarkan dirinya sebagai orang tengah untuk mendamaikan persengketaan antara Raja Mahadi dengan Raja Ismail (putera Raja Abdullah yang meneruskan penetangannya selepas kemangkatan Raja Abdullah), namun ditolak oleh Raja Mahadi.

Selepas ditolak, Tengku Kudin bergabung dengan Raja Ismail menentang Raja Mahadi. Beliau menggunakan strategi tidak terus menyerang, tetapi menyekat kemasukan barang-barang (terutamanya barangan makanan) ke Klang. Beliau juga menyekat perdagangan bijih timah di antara Klang dengan kawasan darat di Selangor.

Puak Hai San yang diketuai oleh Yap Ah Loy memberi sokongan kepada Tengku Kudin, dan pada akhir tahun 1872, dengan bantuan orang Bendahara Wan Ahmad dari Pahang, Raja Mahadi berjaya diusir.

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References:

Ruslan Zainuddin. (2004). Sejarah Malaysia. Kursus Komprehensif Fajar Bakti. 2e

Perang Saudara Selangor 1866-73 (part 1)

Raja Mahadi iri hati atas kejayaan dan keuntungan Raja Abdullah dalam perusahaan perlombongan bijih timah dan cuba menuntut hak beliau ke atas Lembah Klang, tetapi ditolak oleh Sultan Abdul Samad.

Bagi mengelakkan sebarang kekecohan, Raja Abdullah bersetuju membayar wang sagu hati setiap bulan kepada Raja Mahadi, tetapi Raja Mahadi berpendapat bahawa beliau sepatutnya menerima sekurang-kurangnya setengah daripada hasil pendapatan daerah Klang. Beliau membuat tuntutan kepada Sultan Abdul Samad tetapi ditolak, dan Sultan Abdul Samad menasihatkan Raja Abdullah supaya menghentikan terus bayaran sagu hatinya.

Raja Abdullah dan Sultan Abdul Samad merupakan pembesar keturunan Bugis. Hubungan antara orang Bugis dengan orang Melayu Sumatera sudah renggan sejak abad ke-18 lagi kerana mereka sering berperang untuk menyebelahi raja masing-masing dalam merebut kuasa kerajaan di Johor dan Riau.

Terdapat satu pergaduhan antara orang Melayu Sumatera dan orang Bugis yang menyebabkan seorang bernama Panchik Rasul mati dibunuh. Orang Melayu Sumatera menuntut Raja Abdullah menghukum pembunuhnya, tetapi ditolak. Orang Melayu Sumatera mencari Raja Mahadi untuk menawarkan bantuan jika beliau sanggup berperang melawan Raja Abdullah. Raja Mahadi juga disokong oleh Kongsi Gelap Ghee Hin dan anak-anak Bendahara Wan Mutahir.

Pada akhir tahun 1866, Raja Mahadi berjaya menawan Klang dan memaksa Raja Abdullah berundur ke Melaka. Raja Abdullah menerima kekalahan apabila dijanji Raja Mahadi bayaran $500 sebulan hasil kutipan cukai. Raja Mahadi menimbulkan kemurkaan Sultan Abdul Samad apabila beliau menghentikan bayaran bulanan seperti yang dijanjikan. Sultan memutuskan pertunangan puterinya, Raja Arfah dengan Raja Mahadi, dan mengkahwinkan puterinya kepada Tengku Kudin.

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References:

Ruslan Zainuddin. (2004). Sejarah Malaysia. Kursus Komprehensif Fajar Bakti. 2e

Why Raja Mahadi doesn't like Raja Abdullah

Semasa Sultan Muhammad Shah menjadi raja (1826-1857), baginda menyerahkan daerah lembah Sungai Klang kepada putera sulungnya, Raja Sulaiman. Apabila mendapati Raja Sulaiman tidak berusaha memajukan kawasan tersebut, baginda telah menyerahkan daerah tersebut kepada menantu saudaranya, iaitu Raja Abdullah bin Tunku Jaafar. Tindakan Sultan Muhammad menimbulkan bantahan daripada Raja Mahadi, putera Raja Sulaiman., yang berpendapat beliau yang lebih berhak menerima warisan ayahnya.

Raja Abdullah berusaha untuk membangunkan daerah tersebut – beliau pergi ke Melaka dan berjaya memperoleh pinjaman sebanyak $30,000 daripada dua orang tauke, Chee Yam Chuan dan Lim Say Hoe. Raja Abdullah juga membawa masuk buruh-buruh Cina untuk mengerjakan lombong-lombong yang baru dibuka. Menjelang tahun 1859, bijih timah yang dikeluarkan itu dieksport ke NNS. Beliau memperoleh pendapatan yang lumayan dari jualan bijih timah dan cukai-cukai daripada bijih timah. Menjelang tahun 1860, terdapat kira-kira 100,000 orang Cina di negeri-negeri di pantai barat Tanah Melayu (tertarik oleh kejayaan usaha perlombongan).

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References:

Ruslan Zainuddin. (2004). Sejarah Malaysia. Kursus Komprehensif Fajar Bakti. 2e

Textbook errors

The Form 2 textbook states that Raja Ismail diakui sebagai Raja Muda, when in fact he is given a new title “Sultan Muda” with a monthly pay of $1,000.

Perubahan dasar tidak campur tangan British

Bawah pimpinan Benjamin Disraeli, Lord Kimberley di Pejabat Tanah Jajahan bertarikh 20 Sept 1873 kepada Andrew Clarke menyatakan:

Whether there are, in your opinion, any steps which can properly be taken by the Colonial Government to promote the restoration of peace and order, and to secure the protection to trade and commerce with the native territories. I should wish you especially to consider whether it would be advisable to appoint a British officer to reside in any of the states. Such an appointment could dbe made with the full consent of the native Government.

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References:

Ruslan Zainuddin. (2004). Sejarah Malaysia. Kursus Komprehensif Fajar Bakti. 2e

Pertikaian Merebut Takhta

Raja Yusuf yang sepatutnya dilantik menjadi Raja Bendahara tidak disetujui oleh Sultan Jaafar kerana semasa pemerintahan Sultan Abdullah Muhammad Shah (ayahanda Raja Yusuf), berlakunya perbalahan antara kedua-dua mereka. Raja Bendahara diberi kepada Sultan Ismail, yang bukannya waris yang berhak dalam menuntut takhta Perak sebab ayahandanya berasal dari Siak.

Apabila Sultan Jaafar mangkat, puteranya Raja Abdullah dilantik Raja Muda kerana Raja Ismail dianggap tidak layak dinaikkan pangkat. Raja Yusuf sekali lagi diketepikan.Raja Yusuf memberi amaran untuk berjuang menuntut takhta apabila Sultan Ali mangkat kerana takhta itu adalah haknya.

Apabila Sultan Ali mangkat, terdapat tiga orang yang menuntut takhta, iaitu Raja Abdullah, Raja Ismail dan Raja Yusuf. Raja Abdullah diundang menghadiri upacara pemakaman jenazah Al-Marhum Sultan Ali di Sayong. Mengikut adat istiadat Melayu Perak, bakal sultan mestilah hadir dan mengangkat sumpah sebagai sultan yang baru sebelum istiadat pengebumian bekas sultan disempurnakan.

Raja Abdullah tidak hadir dalam upacara tersebut kerana bimbang dibunuh oleh pengikut Raja Yusuf. Perjalanannya dari Batak Rabit (bahagian hilir Sungai Perak) perlu melalui daerah Senggang yang didiami Raja Yusuf.

Setelah menunggu ketibaan Raja Abdullah lebih dari sebulan, pembesar Perak membuat keputusan bahawa jenazah Al-Marhum Sultan Ali mesti dimakankan dan pengganti sultan ditabalkan. Raja Ismail seterusnya dilantik sebagai Sultan. (Ngah Ibrahim dikatakan memainkan peranan penting di belakang tabir yang membawa kepada perlantikan Raja Ismail sebagai sultan).

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References:

Ruslan Zainuddin. (2004). Sejarah Malaysia. Kursus Komprehensif Fajar Bakti. 2e

Sistem Perwarisan Takhta di Perak

Tiga keluarga diraja akan berkongsi hak untuk menaiki takhta kerajaan. Setiap keluarga akan mencalonkan seorang putera yang bakal menaiki takhta melalui satu sistem pusingan. Seseorang putera raja wajib melalui tiga jawatan sebelum berhak menjadi sultan.

Raja di Hilir –> Raja Bendahara –> Raja Muda –> Sultan

Putera sultan yang baru menaiki takhta berada pada hierarki di bawah sebagai Raja di Hilir.

Sistem ini memastikan seseorang putera raja yang bakal menaiki takhta mempunyai pengalaman yang luas dari segi pentadiran dan pemerintahan. Namun, kenaikan peringkat bukannya secara automatik. Para pembesar negeri berhak mengenepikan seseorang putera raja yang difikir tidak layak.

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References:

Ruslan Zainuddin. (2004). Sejarah Malaysia. Kursus Komprehensif Fajar Bakti. 2e

Perjanjian Pangkor 1874

Whereas, a state of anarchy exists in the Kingdom of Perak owing to the want of settled government in the Country, and no efficient power exists for the protection of the people and for securing to them the fruits of their industry, and,

Whereas, large numbers of Chinese are employed and large sums of money invested in Tin mining in Perak by British subjects and others residing in Her Majesty's Possessions, and the said mines and property are not adequately protected, and piracy, murder and arson are rife in the said country, whereby British trade and interests greatly suffer, and the peace and good order of the neighbouring British Settlements are sometimes menaced, and,

Whereas, certain Chiefs for the time being of the said Kingdom of Perak have stated their inability to cope with the present difficulties, and together with those interested in the industry of the country have requested assistance, and,

Whereas, Her Majesty's Government is bound by Treaty Stipulations to protect the said Kingdom and to assist its rulers, now,

His Excellency Sir Andrew Clarke, K.C.M.G., C.B., Governor of the Colony of the Straits Settlements, in compliance with the said request, and with a view of assisting the said rulers and of effecting a permanent settlement of affairs in Perak, has proposed the following Articles of arrangements as mutually beneficial to the Independent Rulers of Perak, their subjects, the subjects of Her Majesty, and others residing in or trading with Perak, that is to say:-

I. First – That the Rajah Muda Abdullah be recognised as the Sultan of Perak.

II. Second – That the Rajah Bandahara Ismail, now Acting Sultan, be allowed to retain the title of Sultan Muda with a pension and a certain small Territory assigned to him.

III. Third – That all the other nominations of great Officers made at the time the Rajah Bandahara Ismail received the regalia be confirmed.

IV. Fourth – That the power given to the Orang Kayah Mantri over Larut by the late Sultan be confirmed.

V. Fifth – That all Revenues be collected and all appointments made in the name of the Sultan.

VI. Sixth – That the Sultan receive and provide a suitable residence for a British Officer to be called Resident, who shall be accredited to his Court, and whose advice must be asked and acted upon on all questions other than those touching Malay Religion and Custom.

VII. Seventh – That the Governor of Larut shall have attached to him as Assistant Resident, a British Officer acting uner the Resident of Perak, with similar power and subordinate only to the said Resident.

VIII. Eight – That the cost of these Residents with their Establishments be determined by the Government of the Straits Settlements and be a first charge on the Revenues of Perak.

IX. Ninth – That a Civil List regulating the income to be received by the Sultan, by the Bandahara, by the Mantri, and by the other Officers be the next charge on the said Revenue.

X. Tenth – That the collection and control of all Revenues and the general administration of the country be regulated under the advice of these Residents.

XI. Eleventh – That the Treaty under which the Pulo Dinding and the islands of Pangkor were ceded to Great Britain having been misunderstood and it being desirable to readjust the same, so as to carry into effect the intention of the Framers thereof, it is hereby declared that the Boundaries of the said Territory so ceded shall be rectified as follows, that is to say:-

From Bukit Sigari, as laid down in the Chart Sheet No. 1 Straits of Malacca, a tracing of which is annexed1, marked A, in a straight line to the sea, thence along the sea coast to the South, to Pulo Katta on the West, and from Pulo Katta a line running North East about five miles, and thence North to Bukit Sigari.

XII. Twelfth – That the Southern watershed of the Krean River, that is to say, the portion of land draining into that River from the South be declared British Territory, as a rectification of the Southern Boundary of Province Wellesley. Such Boundary to be marked out by Commissioners; one named by the Government of the Straits Settlements, and the other by the Sultan of Perak.

XIII. Thirteenth – That on the cessation of the present disturbances in Perak and the re-establishment of peace and amity among the contending factions in that Country, immediate measures under the control and supervision of one or more British Officers shall be taken for restoring as far as practicable the occupation of the Mines, and the possession of Machinery, &c., as held previous to the commencement of these disturbances, and for the payment of compensation for damages, the decision of such officers shall be final in such case.

XIV. Fourteenth – The Mantri of Larut engages to acknowledge as a debt due by him to the Government of the Straits Settlements, the charges and expenses incurred by this investigation, as well as charges and expenses to which the Colony of the Straits Settlements and Great Britain have been put or may be put by their efforts to secure the tranquility of Perak and the safety of trade.

The above Articles having been severally read and explained to the undersigned who having understood the same, have severally agreed to and accepted them as binding on them and their Heirs and Successors.

This done and concluded at Pulo Pangkor in the British Possessions, this Twentieth day of January, in the year of the Christian Era, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-four.

Executed before me,

ANDREW CLARKE,

Governor, Commander-in-Chief, and

Vice-Admiral of the Straits Settlements.

Chop of the Sultan of Perak.

“ “ Bandahara of Perak.

“ “ Tumongong of Perak.

“ “ Mantri of Perak.

“ “ Shahbander of Perak.

“ “ Rajah Mahkota of Perak.

“ “ Laxamana of Perak.

“ “ Datoh Sa'gor.


1See Clarke to Kimberley, 26 Jan. 1874, enclosure 9, P.P., C.1111.

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Reference:
http://www.fas.nus.edu.sg/hist/eia/documents_archive/pangkor-treaty.php

Foldables idea for istilah masa

Foldables idea for Dasar Campur Tangan British di NNMB

Drawing Zaman Logam

Drawing Ciri-Ciri Zaman Neolitik

Summary of Negeri-Negeri Melayu Bersekutu

Perang Larut

Perang Larut 1

Long Jaafar melantik Law Ah Sam dari Pulau Pinang sebagai ejen untuk mengendalikan lombongnya di Klian Pauh. Law Ah Sam merupkan ahli kumpulan Hai San (reason why Long Jaafar and Ngah Ibrahim are often seen biased towards Hai San).

Ghee Hin dan Hai San tinggal dalam dua kawasan petempatan yang berasingan, tetapi sempadan kawasan masing-masing tidak mutlak. Ini membolehkan kedua-kedua kumpulan tersebut sentiasa bersaing untuk mendapatkan kawasan bijih timah yang baik.

1861: Seorang pelombong Hai San bergaduh dengan jirannya dari Ghee Hin sebab pelombong Hai San menyekat aliran air daripada mengalir ke lombong puak Ghee Hin. (After much arguing, fighting, plundering, deaths etc) Puak Ghee Hin yang kecil bilangannya melari diri ke Permatang, dan mengadu ke Residen Kaunselor British di Pulau Pinang. British menetapkan wang ganti rugi sebanyak $17, 500 dibayar oleh Sultan Perak kepada puak Ghee Hin, dan Sultan Perak menitah Ngah Ibrahim untuk menjelaskan bayaran itu.

Perang Larut 2

1865: Pertengkaran di sebuah kedai judi di Klian Pauh, seorang anggota puak Ghee Hin ditikam oleh puak Hai San. (After more fighting, murdering, kidnapping and war), Ghee Hin yang kalah melari lagi ke Pulau Pinang dan menuntut Gabenor NNS membayar ganti rugi. (Hai San menang sebab mendapat bantuan dari Ngah Ibrahim) Kerajaan British enggan campur tangan untuk kali kedua. Kemenangan Hai San mendorong mereka untuk melanjutkan pertikaian itu ke P. Pinang. Hai San bergabung dengan Toh Peh Kong dan Bendera Merah (kongsi gelap orang Islam Melayu dan India), manakala Ghee Hin bergabung dengan Bendara Putih.

Rusuhan besar-besaran meletus di P. Pinang sepanjang 5 hari. British menghentikan rusuhan tersebut dan mendendakan $5,000 atas kedua-dua pihak. Ketua-ketua kumpulan kongsi gelap ditangkap dan dibuang negeri.

Perang Larut 3

Lee Ah Khun, ketua puak Ghee Hin mengadakan hubungan sulit dengan isteri pemimpin puak Hai San. Lee Ah Khun dan wanita tersebut ditangkap oleh Hai San, diseksa dan dimasukkan ke dalam keranjang babi untuk diarak sebelum dibunuh.

Puak Ghee Hin membuat serangan mengejut dan berjaya menewaskan puak Hai San. Ngah Ibrahim tidak memberi bantuan kepada puak Hai San, tapi menyewakan tongkang-tongkang bagi membantu puak Hai San melarikan diri ke P. Pinang. Puak Hai San menanggap bantuan Ngah Ibrahim sebagai satu helah untuk mengusir mereka keluar dari Larut. Ini terbukti apabila Ngah Ibrahim menyerahkan kuasa ke atas lombong-lombong tinggalan Hai San kepada Ghee Hin dengan kenakan cukai yang lebih tinggi.

(More wars later) Keadaan menjadi lebih teruk apabila Raja Abdullah menyokong Ghee Hin, dan Ngah Ibrahim menyokong Hai San dengan bantuan senjata dan tentera.

Keadaan ini membimbangkan British kerana pergaduhan tersebut semakin hampir dengan sempadan daerah British di Seberang Perai.

Ngah Ibrahim (Perak)

This is a post on Ngah Ibrahim and how he ended up playing a big role in the Perak conflict, and why he is included in Perjanjian Pangkor.

1850: Raja Ngah Ali (Raja Muda Perak) selaku wakil Sultan Perak mengurniakan secara rasmi daerah Larut kepada Long Jaafar menerusi surat akuan yang bertarikh 6 Nov 1850. Sejak itu, Larut di bawah perintah Long Jaafar sebagai Orang Besar Jajahan Negeri Perak. Selepas Long Jaafar meninggal dunia, anaknya, Ngah Ibrahim menggantikan beliau.

1858: Sultan Perak mengesahkan pengurniaan daerah Larut kepada Ngah Ibrahim dengan tiada sesiapa pun yang boleh membatalkannya. Beliau diberi kuasa membuat undang-undang sendiri, mengadakan hubungan dengan negeri-negeri lain serta berunding secara langsung dengan pihak British di Pulau Pinang tanpa merujuk terlebih dahulu kepada Sultan Perak.

Ngah Ibrahim menjadi kaya melalui lombong bijih timah sendiri, cukai eksport bijih timah, cukai import candu, minuman keras dan lain-lain bekalan yang dibawa masuk untuk pekerja-pekerja di Larut, serta menerima wang dari rumah-rumah penjudian.

Ideas for Zaman Pra-Sejarah

Really cool idea by Cikgu Sophia on how to visualize ciri-ciri Zaman Paleolitik.

 The Palaeolithic Man gathers forest produce.

The Palaeolithic Man raises a family

"The Palaeolithic Man umm dies and is buried."

Sebab Perjanjian Inggeris-Belanda 1824

Reasons for Signing

1. Anglo-Dutch Rivalry over Trade in the East

• Treaty aimed at removing prevailing commercial rivalry
• Both were striving to control trade in SEA
• This led to friction, discrimination and rivalry
• Dutch policy of trade monopoly vs British belief in free trade aggravated situation

2. Question of Singapore

• Friction peaked with the founding of Singapore by Raffles
• Singapore proved its worth in a short time
• With its strategic position and free port status, S’pore diverted much trade from Dutch ports  (Pontianak, Sambas, Sukadana, Batavia)
• Dutch began to make claims to Singapore
• Their argument : Singapore legally belonged to the Pro-Dutch Ruler, Sultan Abdul Rahman
• Thus Raffles had no right to make a settlement there
• Britain not prepared to give up Singapore

3. British Policy of Friendship with the Dutch

• To counter French expansion in Europe
• Both were not prepared to declare war on each other for political and financial reasons

BRITAIN

• Holland was a vital line of defence
• A stepping stone for French military operations against Britain in the Napoleonic Wars  (1793-181 5)
• To prevent the French from doing so again, Britain had to obtain Dutch support against the French

HOLLAND

• Owed Britain a huge debt; borrowed heavily from Britain during the war
• Anxious not to antagonize the British
• Thus requested Britain to open negotiations to settle outstanding disputes
• Also to maintain Anglo-Dutch unity in Europe

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References:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dMawlVehQky_go5mz70BJ1bacOkweuDH4Xl4vQarzCU/preview

Perjanjian Inggeris-Belanda 1824 (Full treaty)

Implications

The Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824 officially divided the Malay world into two; Malaya, which was ruled by the United Kingdom and the Dutch East Indies, which was ruled by the Netherlands. The successor states of Malaya and Dutch East Indies are Malaysia and Indonesia, respectively. The line which separated the spheres of influence between the British and the Dutch ultimately became the border between Indonesian and Malaysia.

The treaty came at a time as the influence of the British East India Company was waning and the individual merchant was gaining more influence within Great Britain. The emphasis on territory and sphere of influence is consistent with former EIC policies in India and elsewhere, but even as the four-years long negotiations went on, the existence of Singapore strongly started to favor the new independent merchants and their houses. As this came at the heels of the termination of the monopoly the EIC had on the area, the subsequent rise of Singapore as a free port and the first example of the new British free-trade imperialism can be seen as a direct result on the confirmation of its status in the treaty.

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Article I

The high Contrasting Parties engage to admit the Subjects of each other to trade with their respective possessions in the Eastern Archipelago, and on the Continent of India, and in Ceylon, upon the footing of the most favoured Nation, their respective Subjects conforming themselves to the local Regulations if each Settlement.

Article II

The Subjects and Vessels of one Nation shall not pay, upon importation or exportation, at the Ports of the other in the Eastern Seas. Duty at a rate beyond the double of that at which Subjects and Vessels of the Nation to which the Port belongs are charged.

The Duties paid on exports or imports at a British Port on the Continent of India, or in Ceylon, on Dutch botooms (vessels) shall be arranged so as, in no case, to be charged at more than double the amount of the Duties paid by British Botooms

In regard to any article upon which no Duty is imposed, when imported or exported by the Subjects, or on the Vessels, of the Nation to which the Port belongs, the Duty charged upon the Subjects or Vessels of the other shall be in no case, exceed six per cent.

Article III

The High Contrasting Parties engage, that no Treaty hereafter made by Either, with Native Power in the Eastern Seas, shall contain any Article tending, either expressively, or by the imposition of unequal duties, to exclude the Trade of the other Party from the Ports of such Native Power; and that if any Treaty now existing on either Part any Article to that effect has been admitted, such Article shall be abrogated upon the conclusion of the present Treaty.

It is understood that before the conclusion of the present Treaty, communication has been made by each of the Contrasting Parties to the other, of all Treaties or Engagements subsisting between each of Them, respectively, and any Native Power in the Eastern Seas; and that the like communication shall be made of such Treaties concluded by Them, respectively, hereafter.

Article IV

Their Britannick and Netherland Majesties engage to give strict Orders as well as to Their Civil and Military Authorities, as to Their Ships of War, to respect the freedom of Trade, established by Articles I, II and III; and, in no case, to impede a free communication of the Natives in the Eastern Archipelago with the Ports of the Two Governments, respectively, or of the Subjects of the Two Governments with the Ports belonging to Native Powers.

Article V

Their Britannick and Netherland Majesties, in like manner, engage to concur affectually in repressing Piracy in those Seas; They do not grant either asylum or protection to Vessels engaged in Piracy, and They will, in no case, permit the Ships or merchandise captured by such Vessels, to be introduced, deposited, or sold, in any of their Possessions.

Article VI

It is agreed that Orders shall be given by the Two Governments to Their Officers and Agents in the East, not to form any new Settlements on any of the Islands in the Eastern Seas, without previous Authority from their respective Governments in Europe.

Article VII

The Moluccas Islands, and especially Amboyna , Banda, Ternate, and their Immediate Dependencies, are expected from the operation of the I, II, III, and IV Articles, until the Netherland Government shall think fit to abandon the monopoly of Spices; but if the said Government shall, at any time previous to such abandonment of the monopoly, allow the Subjects of any Power, other than Native Asiatic Power, to carry on any Commercial Intercourse with the said islands, the Subjects of His Britannick Majesty shall be admitted to such Intercourse, upon a footing previously similar.

Article VIII

His Netherland Majesty cedes to His Britannick Majesty all his establishments on India, and renounces all privileges and exemptions enjoyed or claimed in virtue of those Establishments.

Article IX

The Factory of Fort Marlborough and all the English Possessions on the Island of Sumatra, are herby ceded to His Netherland Majesty; and His Britannick Majesty further engages that no British Settlement shall be formed on that island, nor any Treaty concluded by British Authority, with any Native Prince, Chief, or State therein.

Article X

The Town and Fort of Malacca, and its Dependencies, are herby ceded to His Britannick Majesty; and His Netherland Majesty engage, for Himself and his subjects, never to Form any Establishments on any part of the Peninsular of Malacca, or to conclude any Treaty with any Native Press, or State therein.

Article XI

His Britannick Majesty withdraws any objections which have been made to the occupation of the Island of Billiton and its Dependencies, by the Agents of the Netherland Government.

Article XII

His Netherland Majesty withdraws the objections which have been made to the occupation of the Island of Singapore, by the Subjects of His Britannick Majesty.

His Britannick Majesty, however, engages, that no British Establishment shall be made on the Carimon Isles , or on the Island of Bantam, Bintang, Lingin, or on any of the other Islands South of the Straits of Singapore, nor any Treaty concluded by British Authority with the Chiefs of those Islands

Article XIII

All the Colonies, Possessions and Establishments which are ceded by the preceding Articles shall be delivered up to the Officers of the respective Sovereigns on the first of March, 1825. The Fortifications shall remain in the state in which they shall be at the period of the notification of this Treaty in India; but no claim shall be made, on either side, for ordinance, or stores of any description, either left or removed by the ceding power, nor for any arrears of revenues, or any charge of administration whatever.

Article XIV

All the Inhabitants of the Territories hereby ceded, shall enjoy, for a period of six years from the days of the Ratification of the present Treaty, the liberty of disposing, as they please of their property, and of transporting themselves, without let or hindrance, to any country to which they may wish to remove.

Article XV

The High Contrasting Parties agree that none of the Territories or Establishments mentioned in Articles VIII, IX, X, XI and XII shall be, any time, transferred to any other Power. In case of any of the said Possessions being abandoned by one of the present Contracting Parties, the right of occupation thereof shall immediately pass to the other.

Article XVI

It is agreed that all accounts and reclamations arising out of the restorations of Java, and other Possessions to the Officers of His Netherland Majesty in the East Indies – as well as those which were the subject of a Convention made at Java on the twenty-fourth of June, 1817, between the Commissioners of the Two Nations, as all others – shall be finally and completely closed and satisfied, on the payment of the sum of one hundred thousand pounds, sterling money, to be made in London on the part of the Netherlands, before the expiration of the Year 1825.

Article XVII

The present Treaty shall be ratified, and the Ratifications exchanged at London, within Three Months from the date hereof, or sooner if possible.

In witness whereof, the respective Plenipotentiaries have signed the same, and affixed thereunto the Seals of their Arms.

Done in London, the Seventeenth day of March, in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty-Four.

(L.S.) George Canning (L.S.) Charles Watkin Williams Wynn


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References:
http://historyofbengkulu.blogspot.my/2008/07/anglo-dutch-treaty-of-1824.html

Summary of the 3 contracts related to Johor-Singapore

Summary of the first 5 contracts related to Kedah-Penang

Pentafsiran Sejarah

Image I got off the internet to explain pentafsiran sejarah. The story about the 6 blind man and the elephant helps students see that the same thing can come from many different perspectives.

Sultan Hussein

Sultan Mahmud Shah III died in 1812 after reigning for more than fifty years. He named no heir formally. He left behind two sons by two different women, both of whom were of Buginese extraction. The older son, Hussein Shah stood the better chance of succeeding his father by primogeniture over his younger half-brother, Abdul Rahman. Hussein Shah, however, was away in Pahang when his father died.

The Bugis faction, led by the underking Yamtuan Muda Raja Ja'afar, supported Abdul Rahman as successor and hastily organised a coronation ceremony before Hussein Shah could return. Raja Ja'afar, in exchange for his support for Abdul Rahman (now Sultan), was appointed as Regent and wielded administrative authority. Hussein Shah was in Pahang, waiting for the monsoon winds to arrive, and was unaware of his brother's installation as the Sultan. Raja Ja'afar had written a letter to Hussein Shah, notifying him of Sultan Mahmud's death, but concealed his brother's ascension as the Sultan. Bendahara Tun Ali brought letters to Lingga, reporting Abdul Rahman's coronation during Hussein Shah's stay in Pahang. Hussein Shah sailed from Pahang to Lingga when the monsoon winds arrived, and was received by Sultan Abdul Rahman, who offered to abdicate in his favor. But he quickly backtracked after Raja Ja'afar made threats against Sultan Abdul Rahman. Hussein Shah remained in exile in the Riau Islands.

Questions pertaining to the legitimacy of Sultan Abdul Rahman's reign were raised; the royal regalia were still in the hands of Engku Putri Hamidah, the primary consort of the late Sultan, who had stated her support for Tengku Hussein as successor. In addition, Hussein Shah also had the support of the Temenggongs and Malay nobles, which made the prospect of putting a legitimate successor in place difficult.

Sultan Abdul Rahman devoted himself increasingly to religion; he had delegated all administrative duties to Raja Ja'afar by the time William Farquhar approached the Sultan to secure an alliance with the British in an attempt to reduce Dutch influence in the region.

The British successfully sidelined Dutch political influence by proclaiming Hussein Shah as the Sultan of Johor and Singapore. Hussein Shah's claim to be Sultan of Johor and Singapore was by all accounts not recognised by the Malay rulers and was only a nominal title. Temenggong Abdul Rahman's position, on the other hand, was strengthened as the signing of the treaties detached him the influence of Raja Ja'afar.

In the later part of his reign, growing British influence induced some Malay nobles, particularly Bendahara Ali, to recognize Sultan Hussein Shah. Sultan Abdul Rahman, who had devoted himself to religion, became contented with his political sphere of influence in Lingga, where his family continued to maintain his household under the administrative direction of Raja Ja'afar,  who ruled under the auspices of the Dutch. However, unresolved legal ambiguity in the legitimacy various local affairs, such as the status of Johor and Pahang. These were de jure possessions of Sultan Abdul Rahman and his successors, yet the 1824 treaty barred him as a Dutch vassal from exerting political authority over Johor and Pahang. In the light of these circumstances, the Temenggong and Bendahara increasingly exerted their independent authority. Also, largely as a result of the strong British influence in the Malay Peninsula, the continuously changing political dynamics gradually relegated these legitimacy disputes to irrelevance.

Sultan Hussein on his part, did not pursue any active claim to his sovereignty rights over Johor, even after Temenggong Abdul Rahman died in 1825, and his successor, Temenggong Ibrahim was still a youth at the time.

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References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hussein_Shah_of_Johor

The Founding of Penang

Read more here: http://www.sabrizain.org/malaya/straits1.htm

Sultan Abdullah, Francis Light and Penang

Sultan Abdullah Mukarran Shah II (1778 - 1797)

note: Did you know Sultan Abdullah is Francis Light's father-in-law?

In accordance with an agreement (Perjanjian Inggeris-Kedah 1786), the Company was to pay Sultan Abdullah S$30,000 a year. Unfortunately for the Sultan, the EIC's new governor-general Charles Cornwallis firmly stated that he could not be party to the Sultan's disputes with other Malay princes, or promise to protect him from the Burmese or Siamese. However, Light concealed the facts from both parties, and established a port in Penang on August 11, 1786.

For the next five years, Light tried to stall with the Sultan. The Sultan suspected that SHTI reneged on the agreement, but failed to drive them out.

Nov 1787: Siam made another demand, for $30,000, arms, and food supplies for 20,000 soldiers. The sultan, desperate, tried to get help from the French in Pondicherry but the French declined. He turned to the Dutch for help but the Dutch also declined. Upset, he lined up 400 perahus and 120 guns around Penang, and held British merchandise worth $30,000 in Kuala Kedah. He now demanded that Light pay him $10,000. Light complied, paid the sultan $10,000, and said he would write to Calcutta once more.

1791: Still no reply from Calcutta, Sultan Abdullah resolved to take Penang by force. Light, not wanting to find, sent $5,000 as "compensation for the delay". But this time Sultan Abdullah returned the money. He has "had it" with British promises. Now he wanted Penang back. In the fight, Light was at an advantage, with better weapons, so he forced the sultan's troops to a retreat.


The 1791 agreement (Perjanjian Persahabatan dan Keamanan Inggeris-Kedah) gave the sultan an annual payment of S$6,000, and no role in future governance of the island. To encourage the razing of the densely forested island, Light fired coins from a cannon into the undergrowth.

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References:
http://www.penang-traveltips.com/biography-of-captain-francis-light.htm
http://sejarahnagarakedah.blogspot.my/2007/11/sultan-muhammad-jiwa-1710-1778.html

Siam vs Burma

Second Burmese Wars

August 1765: 20,000-strong northern Burmese army invade northern Siam, and joined in by three southern armies of over 20,000 in October

January 1766: Burmese armies overcome numerically superior but poorly coordinated Siamese defences, and converge before the Siamese capital.

March 1767: King Ekkathat of Siam offers to become a tributary but the Burmese demands an unconditional surrender.

7 April 1767: the Burmese sacks the starving city for the second time in history.

November 1767: China invades Burma with their largest force yet, finally convincing King Hsinbyushin to withdraw his forces from Siam.

1770: Siamese Civil War; Taksin, King of Thonburi, emerges victor and unites Siam.


1782: King Rama I takes the throne of Siam after defeating a rebellion which had deposed King Taksin of Thonburi. (side note: King Rama established the Chakri dynasty, that still rules Thailand today)

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References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burmese%E2%80%93Siamese_War_(1765%E2%80%9367)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chakri_Dynasty
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rama_I

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burmese%E2%80%93Siamese_War_(1785%E2%80%9386)

Bunga emas

The bunga emas was a form of gift given by the Malay sultans of Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu and Patani to the ruler of Siam.

Hikayat Merong Maha Wangsa: The tradition first started in the 14th century by Kedah, when the Sultan of Kedah first sent it to the ruler of Siam, his older brother to celebrate the birth of the Siamese ruler's first son. 

Other interpretations: Bunga emas is given by the Malay states as a show of allegiance from vassal states to their sovereign.

The bunga emas was made of teak wrapped in fine gold, about 1.8 meters high. This often took six months to finish one, and accompanied by other gifts such as silver flowers, four spears with golen handgrips and two gold rings.

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References:
https://books.google.com.my/books?id=QKgraWbb7yoC&pg=PA288&lpg=PA288&dq=bunga+emas&source=bl&ots=3XtTJc99UT&sig=lYVcbPh4jGqD-_Aa4pTs_htLfqg&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=bunga%20emas&f=false

Background on Siam

In foreign accounts, Ayutthaya was called Siam, but many sources say the people of Ayutthaya called themselves Tai, and their kingdom Krung Tai "The Tai country"

The kingdom of Ayutthaya was not a unified state but rather a patchwork of self-governing principalities and tributary provinces owing allegiance to the king of Ayutthaya under The Circle of Power, or the mandala system (a polity was defined by its centre rather than its boundaries, and it could be composed of numerous other tributary polities without undergoing administrative integration, emphasised personal rather than official or territorial relationships; and it was often non-exclusive. Any particular area, therefore, could be subject to several powers, or none).

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References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayutthaya_Kingdom

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mandala_(Southeast_Asian_political_model)

Sultan Muhammad Jiwa & Ancaman Bugis

Sultan Muhammad Jiwa II (ruled from 1710-1778)

Sultan Muhammad Jiwa melantik anak gundiknya Tengku Abdullah sebagai bakal Paduka Seri Sultan Kota Setar. Puteranya yang lebih tua daripada isterinya yang lain iaitu Tengku Long Putera dan Tengku Anjang telah diketepikan.

Tengku Long Putera dan Tengku Anjang memohon bantuan orang Bugis dari Selangor untuk menyerang Kedah Darul Aman namun gagal. Meski pun begitu Sultan Abdullah tidak popular dikalangan rakyat tetapi telah mendapat sokongan tentera penjajah.

1771: Francis Light, captain of the European trading company, was searching for a regional trading base for both his company, Jourdain, Sullivan and de Souza (a British firm operating in Madras), and the East Indian Company (SHTI). Captain Light was said to be a charming man, well trained in the art of diplomacy. He sailed between India, Thailand and the Malay peninsula. He conducted trade in a semi-autonomous position, living on his own wits. He learned to speak Malay and Siamese.

Light knew that SHTI wanted to obtain a strategic port in the region to facilitate its trade with China, and as a refuge from its enemies in the Bay of Bengal. Light emphasised on Penang as a safe harbour and the opportunities for local commerce.

The Sultan agreed to allow the firm to establish a trading post if the British agreed to protect Kedah from external threats. The Company would not agree to military aid.

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References:
http://sejarahnagarakedah.blogspot.my/2007/11/sultan-muhammad-jiwa-1710-1778.html

https://books.google.com.my/books?id=tprrCQAAQBAJ&pg=PT153&lpg=PT153&dq=1771+jourdain+sullivan+de+souza&source=bl&ots=KWzQCPom5v&sig=QZGYLlDLclV_iW8-VCSnsp6ag2k&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=1771%20jourdain%20sullivan%20de%20souza&f=false

https://books.google.com.my/books?id=hS0_GehsGPwC&pg=PA187&lpg=PA187&dq=1771+jourdain+sullivan+de+souza&source=bl&ots=LAQhIaMWlQ&sig=WBIbBPppCdKWDs0y5_OSJmjRvgU&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=1771%20jourdain%20sullivan%20de%20souza&f=false

http://www.penang-traveltips.com/biography-of-captain-francis-light.htm