U1:C2- British Malaya

Why did the British intervene in Malaya?

New Markets (E)

Raw Materials (E)

New Bases (E)

Social Stability (E)

Political Situation (P)

Succession Disputes

Can become Sultan as long as:

Can command respect of ruling class

Have ability and prestige

Have supportive allies

Potential candidates at that time:

Yusof (prev sultan didn't like him)

Ismail (appointed by Mentri)

Abdullah (may be bypassed by Ismail)

4th Larut War: HS+Mentri+Ismail VS GH+Abdullah

Pangkor Treaty (1874)

Residential System

First Resident: James Birch (1874-1875)

Why was it a failure?

Misinterpretation of treaty terms

James Birch's personality

Perak War

2nd Resident: Hugh Low (1877-1889)

Why the system was more successful?

Spoke fluent Malay

Well-versed in Malay customs

Preserved status of sultan and allowed him to participate in passing of laws

Yusof easier to deal with

Remaining chiefs not as hostile

His Administrative Policies

State Council Established

Development of State

Compensation of Malay chiefs

Why was the Federated Malay States formed?

Why claim the Northern Malay States and form UFMS?

Weaknesses of Residential System

Residents too powerful

Lack of coordination in administration

Lack of uniformity in economic growth

Lack of unity

British's POV:

Some sultans gave concessions to other European powers

Heard Germany and Russia looking to establish naval bases and coaling stations

Siamese POV:

Their rule not popular in Northern Malay states

Sultans acted against their wishes

Kept requesting British protection

Bangkok Treaty (1909)

What were the responses of people?

Impacts of British rule in Malaya

Elite Malays

Sultan and malay chiefs

Sultans of UFMS

Indigenous Malays

Indians

Chinese

Political

Economic

Social

Transfer of power from local rulers to Residents

Development of Tin and Rubber industries

Creation of export oriented economy

Infrastructure development

Standardisation of currency

Marginalisation of indigenous Malays

Creation of plural society

Limited education for locals

Urbanisation

Anglo Dutch Treaty (1824)