SEJARAH: Journal of the Department of History

A Biographical Sketch of Malaya's Colonial ‘Amateur’ Historians

Ahmed Cagri Inan — 2023-12-10

In comprehending nineteenth-century British imperial activity in the Malay states, economic reasoning, especially capitalist expansion, is conventional. This essay argues, in general, that imperialism was also an intellectual effort. During the colonial period, colonialists produced (in)valuable historical accounts, books, and travelogues, providing insight into Malaya’s native inhabitants and history, despite being amateurs. Historical events are vividly pictured, as are colonisers' perceptions of the region, its inhabitants, and its history. Considering these were very subjective and personalised, this article offers a background check on the colonial authors, who were travellers and administrator-scholars, as a prelude to analysing their work.

Received: 12 August 2023

Reviewed: 14 August 2023

Accepted: 10 September 2023

Analisis dan Kesan terhadap Penulisan Karya Fiqh Melayu abad ke-19

Mohd Pua’ad Abdul Malik — 2023-12-10

The history progress of writing on Malay jurisprudence plays a significant role in the discipline of knowledge in the Malay world. Based on the writings, we can understand the purpose of writing, result of communication, the revealation of the Malay jurists’ idealisms and idea of thoughts. Nevertheless the writing approach includes format and structure, methods and style of writing, the use of language and the manhaj of writing. The 19th century was a productive century in the writing of Malay jurisprudence. Therefore, the main premise of this article is to outline the analysis and impact of the Malay jurisprudence works in the 19th century. This is due to the fact that the writings in the 19th century were very dynamic in terms of development. This fact is supported by several factors which contributed to the growth development of new ideas in the writing of Malay jurisprudence. The early stage of development started with small treatises on the science of beliefs, jurisprudence and sufism. The identification of writing has its artistic values and originality in writing. In the context of modernization, the contribution of Malay jurisprudence works to the formation of competitive intellectual values should not be denied.

Received: 15 Mei 2023

Reviewed: 21 Jun 2023

Accepted: 25 September 2023.

Permasalahan Sempadan dan Tuntutan Wilayah: Kajian Latar Belakang Hubungan dan Sejarah Awal Hulu Perak-Reman Sebelum 1882

Shuwaibah Rasidi — 2023-12-10

The history of Hulu Perak and Reman has been largely overlooked in local historical writings and studies, including those related to boundary demarcation. Most studies on the northern Malay States (NMS) border focus on discussions of British-Siamese relations without delving into the conflicts between these two regions. This paper aims to highlight this issue by examining the background of the territorial disputes between Perak and Reman before 1882. Qualitative research methods based on historical analysis and document analysis were used in this study. Thematic and descriptive approaches were employed in the analysis, which involved primary sources such as British records on microfilm and official files such as the Foreign Office (FO) and Colonial Office (CO) records, as well as secondary sources such as journals, books, newspapers, and online sources. The study of border issues between Hulu Perak and Reman before 1882 is significant from a historical and geopolitical perspective. It provides a clear understanding of the border conflict that influenced the political relations between these two regions. This study also contributes to future research on territorial boundaries in Malaysia.

Received: 15 April 2023

Reviewed: 21 Jun 2023

Accepted: 30 September 2023

Pembangunan Bandar Muar, Johor (1884-1940)

Umi Qhahira Ya’acob — 2023-12-10

In the 19th century, Muar became the most important town in Johor after Johor Bahru. This situation influenced the development of the town of Muar in political, economic, and social aspects during the specified period, which was under the rule of the Sultanate of Johor and subsequently the British. Therefore, this article aims to examine the extent of the development of Muar town, Johor, from 1884 to 1940 in supporting the claim that this town was the most important during the specified period. The research has outlined several objectives, including identifying the administrative structure of the Muar district, reviewing the economic activities in the Muar district, and analyzing social developments in the Muar district during the focus period of this research. To achieve the stated objectives, this research utilizes qualitative methods and entirely adopts a historical research approach. The materials and sources are obtained from the National Archives of Malaysia, the Johor Branch of the National Archives of Malaysia, the Muar District Office, the Johor Public Library Corporation, and the National Library of Malaysia. The research results indeed show that Muar was the most important town in Johor from 1884 to 1940. This situation is also seen as the reason for Muar town being elevated to the Royal Town of Johor, a status conferred by Sultan Johor, Sultan Ibrahim ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar, on 5th February 2012.

Received: 15 Oktober 2023

Reviewed: 30 Oktober 2023

Accepted: 16 November 2023

The Factor of Trade in the Diplomatic Relations Between Nupe People and the Ilorin Emirate

AbdulRahman Adebayo Suleiman — 2023-12-10

Several scholars who wrote on migration have put forward many reasons why people move from one place to another. These include but not limited to political, social, cultural and religious factors. Scholars of Nupe history have recorded several push and pull factors that were responsible for the Nupe migration into places around the world. However, little or no attention has been placed on the factor of trade in the Nupe migration into Ilorin. This paper therefore, intends to examine the place of trade in the Nupe diplomatic relations with the people and authority of the Ilorin Emirate. These among other things relate to identification and appreciation of values of the relations between Nupe and the Ilorin Emirate. Since this study is on the relations of the two cosmopolitan communities, it will be useful in pointing sources of mechanism valuable to sustain effective policy of peaceful co-existence, crisis management and global peace. This study adopted historical research method, which involved the use of archival materials, oral evidences, and text content analysis. The study concluded that trade (with involvement in activities such as caravan trade, agriculture, currency production etc.) played prominent roles in the Nupe migration, integration and diplomatic relations into Ilorin Emirate.

Received: 12 January 2023

Reviewed: 20 February 2023

Accepted: 10 September 2023

A View of Philippine Government Corruption: The Harry Stonehill Scandal Revisited

Augusto V. de Viana — 2023-12-10

The corruption scandal involving American businessman Harry Stonehill in the 1960s showed how corruption permeated high government offices in the Philippines. The scandal was the biggest controversy in terms of political and social impact up to that time, and it changed the political fortunes of political leaders like Diosdado Macapagal who lost his bid for a second term for the Philippine presidency in 1965. The Stonehill affair would be later superseded by future corruption scandals in the latter decades such as those involving President Ferdinand Marcos, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Rodrigo Duterte. Corruption always involves two parties: the one that provides the opportunity to do corrupt acts and the other who does the actual corruption. In the case of Stonehill, his rise to prominence as a genius in Philippine business would not be possible without him providing bribes in exchange for favors and advantages. It also made him feel untouchable as he felt “everyone has a price” and he could get away with anything. On the other hand, officials who became corrupt also developed the same impunity knowing that they would not be held accountable for their acts. They developed ways and means to hide their corruption and its fruits which is ill-gotten wealth. This article examines corruption in the Philippines and the factors which led to its pervasiveness in Philippine society. By revisiting the Stonehill scandal in the 1960s, it studies the modes developed by corrupt officials in hiding their wealth and how the Philippine legal system failed in deterring acts of corruption.

Received: 20 July 2023

Reviewed: 25 July 2023

Accepted: 30 October 2023

Perpaduan dalam Pembangunan Ekonomi 1957-1970, Kesan terhadap Keamanan, Keharmonian dan Kestabilan Politik di Malaysia

Khairi Ariffin — 2023-12-10

This writing is about unity in economic development in Malaysia from 1967 to 1970 and its effect on peace, harmony and political stability in Malaysia. The study is to evaluate national issues related to unity and political stability in Malaysia since before independence until the country achieved independence. The history of Malaya has gone through various experiences since the British colonial entry and the Japanese occupation so much influenced the political, social and economic conditions in Malaysia. This study uses qualitative methods by analyzing documents obtained from the National Archives and public institutions of higher learning in Malaysia in addition to making references to secondary materials such as history books and journals. The findings of the study show that Malaysia has a very long history in forming a society that lives in unity and harmony. Socioeconomic issues and problems are matters that need to be resolved in the multi-racial society in Malaysia in addition to empowering educational institutions as a way to build harmony, unity and stability in the country. In conclusion, the writing of this study shows that the issues of unity, harmony and political stability are closely related to current factors especially related to socioeconomics and politics in Malaysia.

Received: 11 Oktober 2023

Reviewed: 15 Oktober 2023

Accepted: 19 November 2023

Isu dan Impak Perkembangan Penanaman Getah di Perak, 1958-1984

Nursyazana Mohamad Fuad — 2023-12-10

This research is to see to what extent the development of commercial plantations, in particular rubber plants in Perak between 1958 and 1984 has had a positive impact on the socioeconomic progress of the population in this state. The elemental of this rubber plant development is seen through the development of this plant in the state of Perak, the challenges faced by the people in rubber cultivation activities, especially in facing the problem of South American Leaf Blight (SALB) disease and how they resolved it during the period studied. This research adopted historical qualitative method on sources and materials obtained from the National Archives of Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, National Archives of Malaysia Perak State Branch, Hamzah Sendut Library 1, Universiti Sains Malaysia in the Malaysiana and Archives section, Kuala Kangsar Public Library, Perak, and the library at the National Archives of Malaysia Perak State Branch.This study has found that the rapid development of rubber plantations in Perak has left a significant impact on socioeconomic aspects among residents in the state of Perak. For example, the rate for employment opportunities and generated income had increased especially for women, as well as there were improvements in infrastructure, education, and health. This matter shows that the progressiveness of the economic sector in Perak is not solely contributed by tin mining activities as widely discussed by previous studies. It turns out that economic activities based on rubber cultivation have also had a positive impact on the progress of the lives of residents in the state of Perak.

Received: 15 Mei 2023

Reviewed: 21 Jun 2023

Accepted: 25 September 2023

Dasar Saraan Malaysia: Kesinambungan dan Perubahan dalam Tempoh 25 Tahun (1976-2002)

Shuhardi TR Aznan — 2023-12-10

This article will explore the continuity and changes experienced by the Malaysian Civil Service from 1976 to 2002. The objective is to identify and assess the remuneration system policies from 1976 to 2002. These remuneration systems include the Cabinet Salary Committee 1976, the New Salary System 1992, and the Malaysian Salary System 2002. Evaluation is also conducted on the efficiency aspects in improving and sustaining the service scheme policies and structural development over the 25-year period. The sources used in conducting this research data include official documents of the Malaysian Government, books, dissertations, documents, archives, and published journals related to the remuneration systems of the Malaysian Civil Service. The data, analyzed qualitatively, successfully demonstrates that the principles and culture of the administrative system need to be maintained through inventive means as part of the renewal process. Furthermore, the study found conflicts between the civil service and the political government, each having its own objectives. The analysis of this study proves that there are several initiatives that can be realized in the planning and implementation of Malaysia's public policies to enhance the efficiency of civil servants' tasks.

Received: 11 Oktober 2023

Reviewed: 15 Oktober 2023

Accepted: 30 Oktober 2023

The Historical Role of the National Museum of China: Reform and Opening-Up (1978-1997）

Zhiyu Zhang — 2023-12-10

Reform and opening-up is an essential part of the history of China in the post-Mao era, and its essence is a historical movement of consciously and actively merging Chinese civilisation with the currents of world history. The National Museum of China created the necessary cultural environment and conditions to promote China's Reform and opening-up (1978-1997). With the implementation and deepening of China's Reform and opening-up policy, the restoration and development of display art in the National Museum of China led to a second surge in the construction and development of local and private museums in China. They contributed to effectively circling the internal cultural environment of China's Reform and opening-up. Secondly, the National Museum of China went abroad to conduct foreign exhibitions, deepening the sense of identity in the field of Chinese history and culture, and to a certain extent opening up the external environment for the implementation of Reform and opening-up. This study uses qualitative research and documentary analysis to elucidate the context and background of the Chinese government's Reform and opening-up policy, and to analyse how the National Museum of China (1978-1997) built a bridge to Reform and opening-up. The study is supported by field visits to museum exhibitions, with the aim of filling in the gaps in the historical role of the National Museum of China in promoting China's Reform and opening-up (1978-1997).

Received: 16 June 2023

Reviewed: 21 June 2023

Accepted: 31 August 2023

Cabaran Interaksi, Intergrasi dan Asimilasi antara Pribumi (Melayu) dengan Imigran di Malaysia

Ishak Saat — 2023-12-10

This study aims to look at the process of interaction, integration and assimilation that is the basis for racial tolerance and unity. In Malaysia, the process of socio-cultural interaction, integration, and assimilation is carried out by cultivating aspects of traditional bumiputera culture to be presented as a symbol for the birth of a national culture. The purpose of this paper is to examine the barriers to interaction, integration, and assimilation in Malaysia. The discussion was carried out in order to achieve the goal by discussing the history of arrival and the form of acceptance of the Malay indigenous community to the immigrant group. It also aims to assess its socio-cultural and political impact on societal development, particularly after 1970. Based on this study, Malaysia's indigenous (Malay) community and immigrant group are still in the early stages of developing their interactions, integration, and assimilation. implementation. In Malaysia, the contact, integration, and assimilation processes have been ongoing over time. It is crucial to maintain community cohesion and togetherness in Malaysia. To make this goal a reality, all parties should participate and work hard. The findings of the study found that all parties should be open-minded and ready to tolerate in the process of interaction, integration and assimilation that takes place. This attitude needs to be practiced for the sake of unity and harmony.

Received: 1 Julai 2023

Reviewed: 15 Julai 2023

Accepted: 30 Oktober 2023

Maritime Heritage and the Belt and Road Initiative: A Historiographical Perspective on Malaysia's Journey as a Maritime Nation

Ismail Ali — 2023-12-10

The seas and oceans have traditionally been a source of inspiration in the search for truth, and has gone on to successfully negate the human worldview that associated it with various elements of mythos and superstition. The seas and oceans also have their own advantages in that they have strengthened the relationship between countries and helped form a united spirit, mutual understanding, unity, and generate wealth. It is an invaluable, irreplaceable, and unmodifiable treasure. In the traditional narratives of the Malay World, the close tie between "sea-folk" and seas such as the South China Sea, the Sulu Sea, the Sulawesi Sea, the Flores Sea, the Java Sea, the Banda Sea, and so on which are all found within in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean is undeniable. In fact, it is no exaggeration to say that the changes and developments that exist in the Southeast Asian region today, i.e. from bearing the characteristics of traditional governments to becoming modern nations are anchored to the seas and oceans, and the role played by seafaring tribesmen who had the seas run in their blood. However, nowadays it seems that these services and sacrifices for thousands of years seem to have remained only in the annals of history and not been paid much heed to. The emergence of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) doctrine introduced by China in 2013 appears to have given new hope to the seas and oceans to be elevated once again and used as an agenda for development by various countries in the region. Hence, this paper aims to discuss several terms, concepts and scopes in marine discipline; the importance of marine history teaching in the region from a histiographical perspective; the extent of how far the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) doctrine has been given serious attention by Malaysia towards becoming a maritime state; the opportunities and obstacles challenges; and some prerequisites to be taken into account in making this mission and vision for Malaysia a reality.