CHAPTER 3 – BRITISH INTERVENTION IN THE

MALAY PENINSULABritish Intervention in Perak

and the Pangkor Engagement

By Marwan ibn Zainal

Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to: Explain the reasons for British

intervention in Perak. Explain the importance of the Pangkor

Engagement.

REASONS FOR BRITISH

INTERVENTION IN PERAK

1. There was a succession

dispute in the Perak royal

family. When Sultan Ali of Perak died in 1871, three

princes, Abdullah, Ismail and

Yusof wanted to be the

Sultan and this caused

instability in Perak.

2. The Chinese secret societies

were always fighting amongst

themselves because they

wanted to gain control of the tin trade. This unrest in Perak affected the tin trade of the British. So they agreed to intervene and

solve the problems in

Perak.

3. There was also the

problem of piracy off the

coast of Perak.

1. Succession dispute in Perak From 1871, there was a dispute about who the

Sultan should be. The 3 candidates; Raja Yusof, Raja Ismail and

Raja Abdullah wanted to be the Sultan. Raja Ismail succeeded in making himself Sultan

bbut Raja Abdullah refused to accept this. Raja Abdullah sided the Ghee Hins in their war

against Hai Sans, so the Ghee Hins would support his claim to become Sultan.

This rivalry caused instability in Perak hence the British had to intervene.

2. Rivalry between the Chinese secret societies

The Chinese secret societies were always fighting amongst themselves because they wanted to gain control of the tin trade.

The rivalry between the two main secret societies: Hai San and Ghee Hin resulted in open warfare between their members.

This unrest/disturbance affected the tin trade of the British, thus the British had to intervene.

3. Problem of piracy

The activities of the pirates around in the Malay peninsula disturbed the trade.

The pirates attacked the ships, local boats as well as European shipping.

This posed a threat to British trade hence they had to intervene.

Events leading to Pangkor Engagement

In 1873, the disturbance in Perak was so chaotic that the locals and the Chinese secret societies requested British help.

Raja Abdullah sent a letter to Sir Andrew Clarke. Clarke then sent W. A. Pickering to persuade the fighting Chinese to accept British arbitration (intervention).

The Chinese and the Malay leaders agreed and accepted the British arbitration.

Sir Andrew Clarke sent Frank Swettenham to arrange a meeting on Pangkor Island.

Pangkor Engagement

The Malay and Chinese leaders arrived on Pangkor Island on 15 January 1874.

The Pangkor Engagement was signed on 20 January 1874.

Terms of Pangkor Engagement

1. The new Sultan of Perak was to be Raja Abdullah.

2. Raja Ismail, was allowed to keep the title Sultan Muda. He was given a small piece of territory and an annual pension.3. The new Sultan was to provide a residence for the British Resident. The British resident was appointed to advise the Sultan on all matters of administration except Malay customs and Islamic religion.

4. The Resident was to be paid by the Sultan.

5. The regulation of all revenue was to be regulated under the advice of the Resident.

6. In Larut, the Chinese accepted the British proposals for peace. Ngah Ibrahim became the Chief of Larut and must accept an Assistant Resident.

1. Because it marked the beginning of the Residential System in Malaya.• The Residential System was one of indirect

British rule. The Sultan remained head of state but accepted the advise of the Resident in all matters of administration and government.

2. Before long, the British would also intervene in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Pahang.• The agreement was necessary to maintain

peace.• British intervention would provide effective

protection and offered possibilities for the merchants in the Straits Settlements.

Importance of Pangkor Engagement