Chapter 1: The Early History of Malaysia Malaysian Studies Chapter 1: The Early History of Malaysia

Why Learn History? What Is to Be Learned From History? Know who you are, your society and country. Appreciate individuals who fought for our independence and sovereignty. Not to repeat past mistakes. To emulate past glory. Help us learn and improve ourselves. Guide us to identify things that we must treasure, emulate or reject.

What You Will Learn in This Lecture Malaysia’s historical background: Prehistoric Age Old Malay Kingdoms The Malay Kingdom of Malacca

Malaysia’s History Timeline Independence and Onwards 1957 - Present Prehistoric 35,000 BC - 100 BC Early Hindu/Malay Kingdoms 100 BC - 1400 AD Colonial Malaysia 1511 - 1957 Islam and the Golden Age of Malacca 1400 - 1511

Prehistoric Malaysia People started to live here since the Stone Age. The Stone Age is divided into several periods: Paleolithic (Early Stone Age) Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) Neolithic (New Stone Age) Metal Age

Prehistoric Malaysia Paleolithic 35000 years ago Lives in caves Collects forest products and hunting Uses simple stone tools

Prehistoric Malaysia

Prehistoric Malaysia Mesolithic 11000 years ago Lives in caves and along rivers and lakes Started farming Uses refined stone tools Able to make earthenware

Prehistoric Malaysia

Prehistoric Malaysia Neolithic 5000 years ago Use complex stone tools Starts rearing livestock and creating objects. Uses accessories like beads, and necklaces Communicates with other tribes in other places

Prehistoric Malaysia

Prehistoric Malaysia Metal Age 2500 years ago More orderly lifestyle Practiced social customs Developed residential areas Lives in wide open land near rivers Population grew

Prehistoric Malaysia

Old Malay Kingdoms 5000 years ago, old kingdoms emerged in the Malay Archipelago Centres of government, trade and spread of religion Several different Malay kingdoms rise and fall during this period

Early Malay Kingdoms Timeline Old Malay Kingdoms Early Malay Kingdoms Timeline Tun Sun, Segenting Kra 3 Chih- Tu, Tan- Tan 6 Funan 1 Mataram 8 CENTURIES Old Kedah, Gangga Negara 5 Langkasuka, Patani 2 Majapahit 13 Srivijaya 7

The Malay Kingdom of Malacca Why Malacca? Tome Pires states “Malacca is very famous and prosperous” The most influential and powerful of all Malay Kingdoms in its glory days Often referred as the starting point for Peninsular Malaysia’s Malay Sultanate

The Malay Kingdom of Malacca Malacca’s Empire

The Malay Kingdom of Malacca Founded by Parameswara in 1403 A.D. Grew into a great Empire in the Malay Archipelago Center for maritime trade and the spread of Islam Vast territory – respected by most, envied by some

The Malay Kingdom of Malacca Why was Malacca prosperous? Strategic location for trade Strong government & efficient administration Protected by China & has diplomatic ties with Java, India and Siam Loyal subjects Malay language – lingua franca

The Malay Kingdom of Malacca Governance / Administration Sultan Bendahara / Prime Minister Temenggung / Chief of Defence Laksamana / Admiral Penghulu Bendahari / Finance Minister

The Malay Kingdom of Malacca What makes a Sultan, a Sultan? Born a king, always a king! Special Rights His word is the law Said to have the power to curse his disloyal subjects The only one whose house has a balcony The only man who can use gold jewelry and weapons

The Malay Kingdom of Malacca Language Uses unique language, exclusive only to him and the people who talks to him Colour The only one who uses yellow an white in his clothing and furniture His subjects can only wear / use the colours if he gives it to them Special Items Owns the Royal Kris, Royal Spear, Nobat (a set of nine musical instruments)

The Malay Kingdom of Malacca Malacca Laws Oral & written laws Based on the Malay “adat” or way of life Oral – word of the Sultan Written: Hukum Kanun Melaka Undang-Undang Laut Melaka

Fall of the Malacca Empire Malacca’s prosperity and status was both it’s curse and blessing Why? Tempted many countries to conquer it Ego / Comfort Zone

Fall of the Malacca Empire 1511 Alfonso de Albuquerque and his 1200 men successfully conquered Malacca after severely struggling for one month

Fall of the Malacca Empire Why did Malacca fell? Internal Factors Weak Sultan Weak government Conflicts among subjects Bribery & Corruption Lacking in modern war technology The “waa’dat” factor

Fall of the Malacca Empire Why did Malacca fell? External Factors Discovery of the Cape of Good Hope – easier for the Portuguese to invade Malacca High taxes imposed on merchants

There are 2 forms of laws – oral & written Conclusion Malaysia’s early history is in 2 phases – Prehistoric and Malay Kingdoms In Malay Kingdoms, Sultan holds the absolute power and is helped by his ministers and advisors There are 2 forms of laws – oral & written The strength of any country is tested during its peak and Malacca failed the test