CHAPTER
1 THE NATION’S EARLY HISTORY
The Nation’s Early History
The Malay Kingdoms
Occupation by
Foreign Powers
Melaka Sultanate
Portuguese Occupation
Johor Sultanate
Dutch Occupation
The Founding of Other
Sultanates
British Occupation
Japanese Occupation
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Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, students will be able to:
• develop an awareness of the existence of a highly developed Malay civilization in past years
during the MelakaMelaka Malay Sultanate that was comparable to other civilizations
• explain the existence of other Malay kingdoms with their own respective sovereign
characteristics
• explain the foreign occupation process in the country caused by the entry of foreign powers one
after another
• discuss colonial governance methods applied in the nation which disrupted existing
administrations
• elaborate on the resistance towards foreign occupation, the effects of said occupation and the
struggle for independence
1.0 Background of the Nation’s Early
History
Prehistorical ages:
• Paleolithic age – 35
thousand years ago
• Mesolithic age – 10
thousand years ago
• Neolithic age – 5
thousand years ago
• Metal age – 2.5
thousand years ago
2
Prehistorical sites in
Malaysia:
• Kota Tampan, Perak
• Tingkayu, Sabah
• Gua Niah, Sarawak
• Jenderam Hilir,
Selangor
• Gua Madai, Sabah
• Gua Kepah, Seberang
Perai
• Bukit Tengkorak,
Sabah
• Gua Cha, Kelantan
• Gua Badak, Perak
• Sungai Tembeling,
Pahang
• Lembah Bernam,
Selangor
• Gua Harimau, Perak
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The early history of the nation began thousands of years ago.
Archaelogical discoveries have proven that several locations in the
Malay Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak have been inhabited by humans
since pre-historical times. In Malaysia, the existence of Paleolithic times
is identified to have occurred about 35 thousands years ago. Among the
early human settlements are in Kota Tampan, Niah Cave in Sarawak
and Tingkayu in Sabah. The development of human society from
Paleolithic to Mesolithic times, the Metal Ages to proto-historical times
showcases rapid growth of human civilization here since Before Christ
(B.C.) up to the first ten centuries. This development continues in the
following centuries which saw cultural development based on faith
with the coming influence of Buddhism, Hinduism and then Islam.
1.1 The Malay Kingdoms
Before the birth of a sovereign and independent country known as
Malaysia today, there existed Malay kingdoms or sultanates which
grew and prospered. The existence of these early Malay kingdoms
is evidence of a Malay civilization, which has led to the formation
of modern day Malaysia. Cultural aspects that existed since those
times include governance, trade, social and economic institutions.
These aspects prove that the founding roots of our country have been
around for a few centuries.
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Chapter 1 The Nation’s Early History
1.1.1 The Melaka Sultanate
• The Melaka Sultanate is one of the oldest Malay Sultanate in the
history of Malaysia. While other kingdoms such as the Old Kedah
kingdom and the Perak kingdom existed during the pre-Islamic
era, they were not widely studied because of the lack of records
and archaelogical evidence.
• Apart from Malaya, the islands of Southeast Asia saw the rise of
a few other great empires that pre-date Melaka, such as Funan,
Srivijaya and Majapahit. The Melaka Malay Sultanate is of Srivijayan
heritage and was centred in Palembang, Southeast Sumatera. This
empire was in existence between the seventh century and the 13th
century. The Srivijaya empire was a maritime empire and had
traded with India, West Asia, China, and rural areas within its
own borders. This empire was the hub for the spread of Hindu–
Buddhism, as well as the centre for teaching Sanskrit and other
ancient languages. The Malay language, also known as ‘Classical
Malay Language’ also grew and was spoken widely during this age.
Early kingdoms:
• Funan
• Majapahit
• Langkasuka
• Srivijaya
• Khmer
• Kutai
• Gangga Negara
Founding of the Melaka Sultanate
• According to previous historical studies, Melaka was founded in
early 15th century. In 1391, the Srivijaya kingdom was attacked
by Majapahit (an empire in Java). This led to a Palembang prince
named Parameswara and his followers to flee and they eventually
reached Temasik (Singapore). At the time, Singapore had its own
political system under the patronage of the Siamese kingdom of
Ayudhya. The local ruler was Sang Aji Singapore, son-in-law of the
Siamese king.
• After defeating the island’s ruler, Parameswara assumed the
Singapore throne. However, in 1398 Ayudhya retaliated against
Singapore. Parameswara and his followers retreated to the Malay
Peninsula. The Prince first set-up camp in Muar and then, Sening
Hujung, Bertam, but finally, he ended up in Melaka circa 1400.
• However, in recent studies some scholars argued that the Melaka
Sultanate was founded in year 1262. The new timeline arose from
deep research on the great Malay Annals, Sulalatus Salatin (Raffles
edition MS18).
• When Parameswara reached Melaka a fishing village had existed
there. He named the area Melaka after a tree called Melaka. There
were also other viewpoints stating that the name of Melaka came
from the Arabic term Malaqat which means ‘shelter’ in symbolism
of what the area was to Parameswara and his followers. Under
the rule of Parameswara and subsequently his sucessors, Melaka
prospered and later became a renowned trading centre, especially
in the 15th century.
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Travel movements of
Parameswara before
settling in Melaka:
Palembang ➔ Temasik ➔
Muar ➔ Melaka
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Salalatus Salatin or
Sejarah Melayu is a very
valuable Malay historical
text. It was authored
in the 16th century
depicting the Malays
since pre-Melaka and
details events of the
founding of the Melaka
Sultanate from the
15th century up to the
Portugese Occupation. It
was authored by Tun Sri
Lanang, Bendahara of the
Johor Sultanate.
Photo 1.1 The front cover of Sulalatus Salatin
(The Malay Annals), Raffles edition MS 18.
Political Development in Melaka During the Early Years
There were also
recordings associated
with the Melaka
Sultanate found in the
literature of the Ming
Dynasty during the 15th
century.
• Ming Shih
• Ming Shih-lu
• Ying-yai Sheng-lan
• Hsing-cha Sheng-lan
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• When opening the Melaka settlement, Parameswara began to
provide boat and harbour facilities that would enable Melaka to
rise as an international trading centre. However, at the time China
was still a great trading power. Therefore a kingdom would be
deemed fortunate to be acknowledged by the Emperor of China.
• Melaka was fortunate in this regard because in 1403, China sent
an envoy named Yin Ching bearing gifts for Parameswara. This
was proof that China acknowledged Melaka’s growing status as
an important port of call for traders from all over the world. The
Chinese Emperor Yung Lo of the Ming Dynasty had heard of
Melaka through emissaries and traders who came from the Middle
East, such as Saudi Arabia and Persia.
• In 1405, Melaka emissaries escorted Yin Ching back to China.
Melaka’s sovereignty was officially acknowledged and its ruler was
crowned as Sultan. Four years later in 1409, Admiral Cheng Ho of
China brought Parameswara several royal regalia along with royal
inscriptions to the court as gifts. Melaka was the first kingdom
in Asia to receive such an honour. Its good relations with China
gave Melaka a chance to strengthen its prestige and status. Such
important close ties with China also meant that Melaka was under
its protection. This deterred attacks from Siam and Majapahit.
• Apart from this acknowledgement, Melaka also gained protection
through its relationship with China. Therefore, Melaka was
shielded from any attacks by Siam and Majapahit who became its
enemies at the time.
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Chapter 1 The Nation’s Early History
Ruling System of the Melaka Sultanate
• By understanding the early administrative system in Melaka,
we realised how aspects of it are still practised in our country’s
administrative system. The highest position in the Melaka’s early
administrative system is king or ‘Yang di-Pertuan’.
• When Melaka’s rulers embraced Islam, the rulers were called
‘Sultan’ or ‘Syah’. Tables 1.1 and 1.2 shows the succession of nine
rulers from the founding of Melaka up to its fall to the Portuguese.
Melaka was ruled by nine Sultans.
Table 1.1 Names of the Sultans of Melaka and their period of reign according to
previous scholars
No
Ruler name
Reigning years
1
Parameswara/Iskandar Syah
1400–1414
2
Sultan Megat/Mahkota Iskandar Syah
1414–1424
3
Sultan Muhammad Syah
1424–1444
4
Sultan Abu Syahid
1444–1445
5
Sultan Muzaffar Syah
1445–1456
6
Sultan Mansur Syah
1456–1477
7
Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah
1477–1488
8
Sultan Mahmud Syah
1488–1510 & 1513–1528
9
Sultan Ahmad Syah
1510–1513
During Admiral Cheng
Ho’s visit, Melaka received
a gift, which was an
inscription of Chinese
Imperial philosophy,
which spoke of China’s
ethical and political hopes
of prosperity for countries
under its protection.
Melaka was the first
foreign government to
receive such a gift. Three
other countries to later
receive this gift was Japan
(1406), Brunei (1408) and
Cochin (1416).
Source: Muhammad Yusoff Hashim, Kesultanan Melayu Melaka, Kuala Lumpur: Dewan
Bahasa dan Pustaka, 1990, pp 95-112.
Table 1.2 Names of the Sultans of Melaka and their period of reign according to
current scholars
No
Ruler name
Reigning years
1
Parameswara/Iskandar Syah
1262-1281
2
Sultan Megat/Mahkota Iskandar Syah
1281-1283
3
Sultan Muhammad Syah
1283-1339
4
Sultan Abu Syahid
1339-1340
5
Sultan Muzaffar Syah
1340-1378
6
Sultan Mansur Syah
1378-1449
7
Sultan Alauddin Riayat Syah
1449-1481
8
Sultan Mahmud Syah
1481–1510 & 1513–1528
9
Sultan Ahmad Syah
1510–1513
Source: Abdul Rahman bin Ismail, et al., Penemuan Tarikh Baru Pengasan Empayar
Kerajaan Melayu Melaka 1262, Melaka: IKSEP dan Kerajaan Negeri Melaka, 2012, p. 15.
• Many historians agree that Sultan Iskandar Syah was the first
Melaka ruler to convert to Islam. This ruling system is known as
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an ‘absolute monarchy’, which means that the status and rights of
the king cannot be questioned or challenged.
• The power and rights of the kings were closely based on the
concepts which were the beliefs and practices of the community,
namely the concepts of taat setia (loyalty), derhaka (treason),
daulat (sovereignty), tulah and nobat. These concepts also gave rise
to the practice of royal protocol, use of royal regalia and a refined
language in the Royal Malay court. Examples of court language are
titah (decree), patik (I, for a commoner addressing a royal), murka
(angry), kurnia (bestow), anugerah (award), bersiram (shower),
gering (ill), berangkat (depart) and mangkat (deceased).
• Melaka was known as a kingdom with systematic administration
during its time. The Sultan appoints court officials who become
administrators, enforce law and order, act as judges, maintain
security, oversee port affairs, plan international relations matters
and implement palace protocol and customs. The Sultan was
assisted by a powerful hierarchy of court officials with different
ranks, status and functions. This system was known as the ‘Fourfold
Dignitary System’ (Figure 1.1).
SULTAN
Dignitary 4
Dignitary 8
Dignitary 16
Dignitary 32
Figure 1.1 Fourfold Dignitary System
• The Melaka administrative system is underpinned by four main
officials, namely the Bendahara, Penghulu Bendahari, Temenggung
and Laksamana. The roles of the four main officials are outlined in
Table 1.3.
Table 1.3 Functions of the four main officials in the Melaka Sultanate
Title
Bendahara
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Role
He is the main minister. He plays the role of an advisor to the
king. He must be of royal blood and must have close ties to
the king. He could act as regent in the absence of the king and
has a role in choosing the next king.
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Chapter 1 The Nation’s Early History
Title
Role
Penghulu
Bendahari
He is the treasurer of the kingdom and controls the finances
of the country. He is also tasked with the collection of taxes
and state revenues. He also keeps the records of the royal
slaves and is the head of all harbour masters (syahbandar).
Temenggung
He is the executor or head of legal matters, state laws
and security. He is also known as the head of the police.
Therefore, he also functions as a prosecutor if someone was
found to have commited a crime. In the matters of customs
and traditions, he acts as the head of protocol.
Laksamana
This post is relatively new compared to the other posts.
The first historical figure to have held this position was
Hang Tuah, during the reign of Sultan Mansur Shah. The
Laksamana is also a warrior during times of war, especially
at sea. The Laksamana is known as Raja di Laut and is the
leader of all the kingdom’s warriors. He is tasked with the job
of bearing the Royal Sword during official functions and as a
diplomat to escort royal envoys.
• Apart from these four main officials, there are also other
administrators who are also crucial such as the syahbandar as a
harbour master; the hulubalang besar as a commander of war; ulama,
mandulika, tentera, mantri, Seri Bija Diraja, bentara, chetria, orang kaya
and other nobles representing the Dignitary 8, 16 and 32 in the
fourfold system. Apart from nobles, this system also gives rise to two
classes in society, namely the governing class and the governed.
• Overall, the Melaka administrative system is based on regions. The
rule of the Melaka empire was divided into four main categories:
(a) Melaka Proper
(b) Tributary area
(c) Dependencies
(d) Dependencies with autonomy
• Kota Melaka was under the main administrative centre. The
‘tributory areas’ refer to the areas under the responsibility of
certain ministers who rule and collect nafkah or taxes from these
regions. Examples are shown in Table 1.4 below:
Table 1.4 Vassal territories of the ministers
Minister
There were four
Syahbandars in charge of
the port in Melaka:
1 One was to manage
the merchants from
Gujerat
2 Another was
to manage the
merchants from
Benggal, Pegu and
Pasai.
3 One was to manage
the merchants
from Jawa, Maluku,
Banda, Palembang,
Tanjungpura
and other Malay
archipelagos.
4 Another was
to manage the
merchants from
China, Champa and
Liu Kiu Island.
Vassal territories
Bendahara
Bentan, Muar
Laksamana
Siantan, Sungai Raya
Penghulu Bendahari
Kampar, Sening Hujung
Seri Bija Diraja
Singapura
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Two figures to have held
the Bendahara position
and who were famous
for their intellectuality
and heroism: Bendahara
Paduka Raja Tun Perak
and Bendahara Seri
Maharaja Tun Mutahir.
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• Administration of the smaller regions (dependencies) was left to
the various headmen, called Mandulika, who controlled regions
such as Klang, Selangor and others.
• Meanwhile, dependencies area with autonomy cover the other
kingdoms in the Malay Peninsula such as Kedah, Pahang and
Kelantan. Other regions in Sumatera and the Riau Lingga Islands
include Inderagiri, Bengkalis, Rokan, Rupat, Bentan and Lingga.
These regions were given the autonomy to maintain their own
local administration, but they were still monitored by the central
government in Melaka. Additionally, the areas were required to
pay a certain amount in taxes.
The Golden Age of Melaka
• The Malay Kingdom of Melaka became world renowned as a large
and strong empire with good administration, powerful military,
vast territorial control and strong enforcement of the rule of law.
The Melaka empire was said to encompass almost the entirety of
the Malay Peninsula, part of eastern Sumatera and the Riau-Lingga
Islands.
• Melaka was once the trade centre of the world given its strategic
location at the intersection between East and West, frequented for
instance by traders from China, India, Middle East and the Malay
Archipelago.
• In addition, the extensive trading activities also promoted the
spread of Islam in Melaka, such that it eventually became a centre
Key
Melaka Empire
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Map 1.1 The Melaka Malay Sultanate at the height of its power
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Chapter 1 The Nation’s Early History
for the spread of the religion. When Islam was declared the official
religion of the land, Melaka even became the focal point for Muslim
missionaries as the faith was practised by the Sultan and his people.
• Eventually, Melaka evolved into a centre for the dissemination of
knowledge at the encouragement of its rulers. The Melaka palace
then functioned as a centre for the development of language,
culture and literature.
Factors that Contributed to the Golden Age of Melaka
• The emergence of Melaka as a great empire was due to several
factors, namely:
(i) Geographical factors
(ii) Economic factors
(iii) Political and administrative factors
Geographical Factors
• Melaka’s success in trading was influenced by several main
reasons. For example, its geographical location was in the middle
of the international oceanic trade routes. It functioned as a link
between the main trade markets at the time, which were between
India and China.
• Ports along the Straits of Melaka had an advantage as it was the
point where the two main monsoon winds beneficial to seafaring
boats met: that is, the north-eastern monsoon winds that blew
from November to March, and south-western monsoon winds that
blew from April to October. Although the west coast of Borneo and
the east coast of the peninsula were also in the middle of the trade
routes, Melaka had one other advantage. Unlike them, Melaka was
positioned in the Straits of Melaka, and the straits were a narrow
path which traders had to pass to reach their destinations. The
narrow pathway made it a good spot to dock and the area was
protected from strong winds.
• The success of Melaka was also due to its rich natural resources.
Many items were available for trade. These natural resources
included aromatic woods which could be made into perfumes,
resin and rotan.
• The Malays (who settled alaong the riverine and beaches of Melaka)
played important roles as sellers and suppliers of forest produce,
whereas the gathering of such produce was actually done by the
aborigines or Orang Asli community which had inhabited the the
rural areas since prehistorical times. The Orang Asli were experts in
identifying plants and roots, such as high quality sandalwood and
camphor. They brought these products to the beaches, riverines
and Malay settlements in Melaka through the use of rivers.
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• Even before widespread trading began, traditional trading systems
such as barter systems have been in place, as evidenced by the
trade ties between the Malays and the Orang Asli.
• The port of Melaka enjoyed another specific advantage as the
Malay Peninsula was rich with minerals, especially gold. The
number of gold mines in the Malay Peninsula made it famous in
the past, and Greek geographers called it the ‘Golden Chersonese’
while Indian traders named it Suwarnabhumi, both translating into
‘The Golden Peninsula’.
• The tradition of using yellow in the royal Melaka Malay institutions
and other states was associated with the luxurious usage of gold
in the palaces of the Malay rulers. Since the first century, Indian
traders had begun to look for the Golden Peninsula when the
supply of gold from the Roman Empire stopped. The emperor
outlawed the export of gold due to the strife in Siberia, which
had caused lower production. The invention of better ships also
encouraged the Indian traders to search for new sources of gold.
• Apart from gold, tin mining was also done since the dawn of the
century. Many tin mines were started in the Malay Peninsula.
According to records, for instance, tin was sent to India to be
mixed with bronze since the fifth century. Tin was used in the
construction of statuettes of Indian deities. Although mining
methods of the time were primitive, tin brought in profits. The
Melaka port became the centre of the export of tin products for the
next few decades.
• There are also mangrove forests along the coastlines of Melaka.
Nipah leaves were used to weave mats and roofing material, while
its palm sap were used to produce liquor and the mangrove wood
was used as firewood.
• The geographical location of the Malay Peninsula, shieled by
the Sumatera Island, encourage the growth of plankton, tiny sea
organisms which represent the main food source of many sea
animals. The abundance of plankton encourages the growth of sea
life, such as shells, cockles and oysters which were widely found
in Melaka waters. Indeed before metal coins were introduced,
cowrie shells and cockle shells were used widely as currency.
Archaeological evidence suggests that cowrie shells were used
for trading in the region since the fifth century. The arrival of
the Chinese to this region encouraged the sea produce industry
to expand. Many Chinese dishes and medicines used items such
as the root of the bahar and teriang trees. The Orang Laut had
a huge role in the sea produce industry. This was because they
were skilled in diving and could collect the produce from the
sea bed. This too contributed to the trade and economic success
of Melaka.
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Chapter Review
Lessons
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
The country’s early history showed how the early communities lived and grew.
Human civilization develops over time.
A country or nation must defend its own identity despite changing times or environments.
Occupation brings about many negative effects on a nation.
A disunited and disloyal people would be the downfall of a country.
A nation must possess sufficient knowledge to avoid b foreign propaganda.
Knowledge is important in uplifting the status of a nation.
The colonization of the Malay Peninsula showed the need for the people at the time to be highly
educated, to possess open minds, to be loyal and united as well as tadhere to the country’s laws.
Impact on the Nation and the Country
• The early history of the Malay Realm is an important legacy as it presents the history and early
civilizations of the land.
• The early history of the Malay Realm plays an important role in affirming that the Malays are the original
residents of the Malay Peninsula.
• Shows that the Malay Realm was a sovereign nation with its own rulers and administrative systems.
• Shows that the Malay Realm boasted strong nations respected by both friends and foes.
• Shows that Islam was embraced by the populace in the Malay Realm as early as the 13th century.
• Shows that the Malay language was renowned in tthis period, and it became the lingua franca of
Southeast Asia.
• Colonization divided the Malay Realm into two segments: the Malay Peninsula and the Riau/Sumatera
Archipelago. The effect was that the Malay Peninsula/Malaysia are a separate nation today from
Indonesia.
• Japanese occupation had left psychological and traumatic effects on the populace.
• A multi-racial population was formed with the arrival of the Chinese and Indians to the Malay Peninsula.
• British colonization especially had changed the demographics of the Malay Peninsula, among others
creating differentiated urban and rural areas.
• Malay Peninsula or Malaysia had incorporated some aspects of the British administrative system in our
governance system today.
• The British colonization neglected the Malay community in development and progress, causing poverty
to be inherited from generation to generation.
Reflections for the New Generation
• Today’s generation needs to examine how the community at the time adapted to their environment.
Despite technological advances at the time, nature was more or less preserved.
• The new generation must look at how people at the time were able to discover new technologies that
last for generations till today.
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• As Malaysians, all individuals must know his or her origins. This gives rise to citizens who love their
country and do not forget themselves easily when abroad.
• The new generation must heed the lesson of the country’s colonization and make use of the freedom
achieved to contribute towards uplifting the country’s name as well as defending the country’s
sovereignty.
• This topic is laden with lessons and good values that should be pondered by today’s generation,
especially by adolescents who will someday become leaders and custodians of the country’s future.
• Good values that can be taken from the colonization period of the country is that each citizen has an
important role to play in the country’s development. In this regard, all citizens have their own roles and
responsibilities in making good use of the freedom we currently enjoy.
• Intellectuals must not misuse their wisdom and knowledge for nefarious purposes as this will ruin the
country.
• The future leaders must co-operate wisely with foreign nations so as to avoid falling victim to foreign
tactics to undermine the country.
• Today’s generation must work hard in order to develop the country and bring renown to the country’s
name at the international level in order to gain international respect for our sovereignty. It must be
remembered that among the factors that led to the descent of the Malay community’ into colonization
before was their own weakness. The current generation must work to advance themselves constantly
and to adopt a life-long learning approach.
Reinforcement Exercises
Objective Questions
Answer all the questions below. Choose the correct answer.
1 All the following were rulers of the
Melaka Malay Sultanate except
A Sultan Abu Syahid.
B Sultan Muzaffar Syah.
C Sultan Ibrahim Syah.
D Sultan Ahmad Syah.
2 Most of the Melaka kingdom’s officials
were given vassal territories to govern.
Kampar and Sening Hujung are held
by the
A Bendahara.
B Penghulu Bendahari.
C Temenggung.
D Laksamana.
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3 Among the following factors, which led
to the fall of the Melaka Malay Sultanate?
I The economic decline suffered by
the government as a result of the
loss of popularity of the Melaka
port amongst foreign traders.
II The weaknesses of the court
leadership and its local
dignitaries.
III The disunity among the common
folk.
IV The increase in European
colonization overtures.
A I, II and III
C I, II and IV
B II, III and IV D I, II, III and IV
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Questions 4 and 5 are based on the diagram
below.
SULTAN
Dignitary 4
Dignitary 8
Dignitary 16
Dignitary 32
4 The diagram above refers to an
administration system in the Melaka
Malay Sultanate. The system is called
A Hierarchy of Dignitaries.
B Absolute Raja.
C Fourfold Dignitary.
D Four-Dignitary Hierarchy.
5 In the hierarchy of the four main
officials, the Temenggung is placed
A fourth.
C second.
B third.
D first.
6 Why was the Melaka Malay Sultanate
so well-known to traders and sailors
from all over the world?
I Melaka was a strong and stable
empire.
II Melaka was the centre for the
spread of Hindu–Buddhism.
III Melaka was rich in natural
resources.
IV Melaka was the meeting point for
traders from East and West.
A I and II
D I and IV
B I and III
C I, III and IV
66
7 Select the statements which are correct
about the Melaka Malay Sultanate in
the 15th century.
I The Malay government in
Melaka practised a democratic
administrative system.
II It was during the reign of Sultan
Mansur Shah that Melaka enjoyed
the heyday of its Golden Age.
01MalStudy_Ch1_1-78_F.indd 66
III The views held by Malay society
in Melaka about the institution of
the Malay Islamic monarchy are
closely related to the concepts of
loyalty, sovereignty, treason and
allegiance.
IV The Melaka Malay Sultanate
had its origin in the Majapahit
Sultanate of Java
A I and II
B II and III
C III and IV
D I and III
8 During the Melaka Malay Sultanate,
this official was in charge of the treasury,
similar to the Finance Minister today.
This refers to the
A Bendahara.
B Penghulu Bendahari.
C Temenggung.
D Laksamana.
9 Raja Lumu was installed as the first
Sultan of Selangor with the title sultan
Salehuddin Syah in the year
A 1742.
C 1766.
B 1745.
D 1786.
10 Klang is part of Selangor. However in
the 15th century it was under Melaka’s
control. After Melaka was invaded by
the Portuguese, Klang was ruled by
A Perak.
C Johor.
B Pahang.
D Kedah.
11 Since the 15th century, areas in Selangor
such as Klang and Kuala Selangor were
important to Melaka as they supplied
as their main port trade
products.
A tin
C bronze
B iron
D gold
12 Raja Lumu was the first Sultan of
Selangor and bore the title Sultan
Sallehuddin Shah. He was the son of
one of the Five Bugis Brothers named
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Chapter 1 The Nation’s Early History
Structured Questions
A. Answer all the following questions.
1 Name four ministers or court officials in the administration of the Melaka Malay
Sultanate.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
2 Name the first Sultans who founded the Sultanates in the following states.
(a) Johor:
(b) Selangor:
(c) Terengganu:
(d) Perak:
3 The Johor kingdom came under Bugis influence in the 17th century. Name all five of the
famous Five Bugis Brothers.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
4 In the regional administrative system in Melaka, there were specific regions which
were placed under the rule of certain court officials. These regions were referred to as
protectorates or vassal territories. List the protectorates that came under the jurisdiction
of the following prominent court officials of Melaka.
(a) Bendahara
(i)
(ii)
(b) Laksamana
(i)
(ii)
5 List five out of the nine states (regions) that played a role in the founding and early
history of Negeri Sembilan.
(a)
(b)
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(c)
(d)
(e)
6 List the states that were under the following administrations.
(a) The Straits Settlements
(b) The Federated Malay States
(c) The Unfederated Malay States
7 Name the first British officers who became Residents in the following states.
(a) Perak:
(b) Selangor:
(c) Pahang:
8 Name five main clauses of the Pangkor Agreement dated 20 January 1874.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
9 List five members of the Federal council which was founded in 1909.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
10 State five factors which made it possible for the Japanese to successfully occupy the
Malay Peninsula in 1942.
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
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(e)
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Chapter 1 The Nation’s Early History
11 Name the historical figures related to and the years in which the following events
happened.
(a) The discovery of the Cape of Good Hope
in year
(b) Arrival in Kalikat by
.
(c) The capture of Goa by
in year
in year
.
.
12 The head of the Portuguese administrative system in Melaka was called the Captain of Kota
Melaka. He and his assistants were helped by the Council of Advisors who comprised these
three main bodies.
(a)
(b)
(c)
13 State the names of nationalist figures in the 19th and early 20th centuries for the
following states.
(a) Naning:
(b) Perak:
(c) Terengganu:
B. Choose whether the following statements are True or False.
1 Raja Kasim also known as Sultan Muzaffar Syah was the fifth Sultan of Melaka.
(True/False)
2 The Temenggung’s duties in the Melaka administration system include control of the
treasury, collection of taxes and state revenues and keeping the register of royal slaves.
(True/False)
3 The world traders were attracted to Melaka because of its rich natural resources such as
pepper, cinnamon, rice and gold.
(True/False)
Essay Questions
Answer all the following questions.
1 Provide a detailed account of the system of government practised by the Melaka Sultanate
in the 15th century.
2 Discuss the development of trade in Melaka in the 15th century by referring to its
commercial system and network of trade routes, as well as the types of products traded.
3 Explain the factors which led to the rise and development of the Johor kingdom (and its
port) in the 16th and 17th centuries.
4 Discuss the founding of the Malay States (apart from Melaka and Johor) and the
significant events which laid the foundations of these States.
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5 What is the significance of the Melaka Malay Sultanate institution towards the founding
of the nation today?
6 What are the lessons that can be gleaned from the fall of the Melaka Malay Sultanate so
that the nation is not easily colonised and belittled by Western powers?
7 Discuss why Islam spread easily during the golden age of the Melaka Malay Sultanate.
8 Discuss the effects of British colonization of the Malay Peninsula that can be seen today.
9 As the new post-independence generation, what do you think are the contributions
and efforts that you should undertake to avoid the country from losing its hard-earned
freedom?
10 Why was a foreign power (the British) able to colonise the nation and maintain power
for so long here? What strategies did they use in maintaining their position and power?
11 Discuss the steps taken by the Malay Peninsula to combat the communist threat from
1948 to 1960.
12 After intervening in the political affairs of the Malay Peninsula, the British introduced
the Resident System in the Federated Malay States. Explain the factors that led to this and
also the features of the system in the FMS.
13 On 15 February 1942, the whole of the Malay Peninsula and Singapore fell into the
hands of the Japanese. Elaborate on the events that led to the Japanese occupation and
its effects.
14 The British occupied our country for more than 150 years. During this time, the locals
did not welcome their interference in matters of the State. All over the country, historical
figures fought bloody battles for the country’s freedom. Provide examples to support
this statement.
15 Discuss the roles and influence of the Dutch in the economy and politics of the Malay
States during the 17th and 18th centuries.
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