Browse Items (93 total)

A power struggle between Governor Guillemard and Chief Secretary Maxwell shaped British Malaya's administration between 1921 and 1925. The conflict was marked by clashing views on governance, leadership style, and control over policy decisions. Their…

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It appeared that there was a conflict between the hospital and the colonial government. The colonial government refused to help the hospital when they were caught in debt despite the hospital serves the colonial needs apart from the poor Chinese…

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This short piece explains the meaning and use of the word "Kongsi," which refers to Chinese partnerships or associations, especially in Southeast Asia. It highlights how the term was linked to trade, community support, and even self-governing groups…

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Jawi literature in Patani has played a key role in preserving Islamic teachings and cultural identity in the region. Through religious texts, poetry, and legal writings in the Jawi script, local scholars maintained a strong connection to Islamic…

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The article by Victor Purcell examines the historical context and reasons behind the United States relinquishing its extraterritorial rights in Siam, highlighting the delay from 1909 to 1920 and comparing it to Britain's earlier actions influenced by…

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Sultan Abdul Majid Hassan of Brunei, also known as the King of Boni, died in 1408 while visiting the Ming court in Nanjing. Honoring his wish to be buried in China, the Yongle Emperor arranged a royal funeral and had him interred at Shizi Hill, just…

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Discussed the misinterpreted usage of the term "Bajau". The term does not only represent an ethnic in Sabah, but its also the name of a river. Bajau represents a vast ethnic in the Borneo Island, not limited to one ethnicity.

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The article by Rev. Fr. R. Cardon narrates a local tradition from the Malacca Pindah district, describing how Bukit Greja once belonged to Christians, detailing the arrival of priests and the establishment of a church and monastery, along with the…

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The article by Rev. Fr. J. Staal explores the folklore, historical settlement, and cultural characteristics of the Sadong Dayaks, emphasizing their timid nature, land disputes, and the gradual disappearance of their legends and traditions.

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The Baba Malay dialect is a special way of speaking used by the Baba Nyonya people, who are part Chinese and part Malay. It mixes Malay, Chinese, and a little bit of English. This dialect started a long time ago when Chinese people came to live in…

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In "The Fishing Methods of Singapore," T. W. Burdon discusses the evolution of fishing techniques in Singapore from the pre-settlement era to the 1950s.

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Sandakan is a town in Sabah, Malaysia. It tells how the town started, grew, and changed over a century or approximately 100 years. Sandakan was important for trade, especially timber, and many people from different places came to live there. The book…

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The article by Stanley J. O'Connor and Tom Harrisson explores the practice of placing gold-foil amulets in burials across Bali, the Philippines, and Borneo, highlighting the cultural significance and possible influences of this tradition.

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The Chewong, also known as Siwong, are a small indigenous group in Peninsular Malaysia with unique beliefs, especially about nature and the spirit world. Their way of life is deeply tied to the forest, with customs that emphasize harmony, sharing,…

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The article by Rodney Needham explores the use of death-names among the Penan people of middle Borneo, which are names assumed upon the death of close relatives and are based on the birth order of children, discussing the possibility of a similar…

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The Hervey Malay Collection at the Wellcome Institute holds a wide range of materials on Malay culture, gathered by D.F.A. Hervey in the early 20th century. It includes manuscripts, dictionaries, and notes on customs and medicinal plants from regions…

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The article by R. O. Winstedt explores the connections between Alexander the Great and various Malay and Sumatran legends, particularly the association of Mount Meru and Chula with Alexander, drawing on historical sources and folklore to illustrate…

The article by R. O. Winstedt discusses the various romanizations and interpretations of the name "Gulanggi" or "Kulanggi" found in the Kedah Annals, highlighting its connection to the romance of Hikayat Amir Hamzah and the author's influences from…

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The article by R. O. Winstedt compares the ages and reigns of rulers in different versions of the "Malay Annals," highlighting the inconsistencies and the historical significance of Valentijn's now-lost copy, which followed the older Malacca text.

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The article by R. O. Winstedt examines the historical possibility that the Pasai Sultanate ruled Kedah in the 14th century, using evidence from a Malay sha'ir and various historical records to support the claim.

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The article by R. O. Winstedt discusses the discovery of a tomb in North Sumatra with a unique Persian inscription, highlighting the historical significance and connections of Pasai, as well as the prominence of the name Husam al-Din in its history.

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The article by R. O. Winstedt discusses the historical Malay titles, detailing their specific meanings and rules of descent, based on ancient customs and traditions from Malacca and Johor.

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Munshi Abdullah’s Arab teachers had a strong influence on his education and thinking, especially in the areas of religion, language, and literature. Through them, he gained a deep understanding of Arabic and Islamic teachings, which shaped his later…

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During Rama II’s reign, a Malay mission traveled to Bangkok aiming to strengthen diplomatic ties and negotiate political matters. The mission highlighted the close but sometimes complicated relationship between the Malay states and the Siamese…

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Succession in the Perak Sultanate follows a unique and complex system based on seniority and rotating titles among royal family members. Rather than direct inheritance from father to son, the system promotes individuals through a ranked structure,…

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The article by Prince John Lowenstein discusses the discovery of various types of neolithic ceramics, specifically hollow clay stands and censers, at different excavation sites in northern Malaya, highlighting their unique shapes and dimensions.

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In "The Origin of the Malayan Metal Age," Prince John Lowenstein, Ph.D., examines the delayed arrival of civilization in Malaya. While Europe and the ancient Near East advanced in metal use thousands of years earlier.

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Abd al-Ra’ūf’s Tarjumān al-Mustafīd, a Malay tafsir (Qur'anic commentary), draws heavily from earlier Arabic sources, particularly the works of al-Baydawi and al-Khazin. By adapting these texts into Malay, Abd al-Ra’ūf made Islamic teachings more…

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Penghulus in Perak and Selangor once held important roles as local leaders, responsible for maintaining order, settling disputes, and managing village affairs. Over time, their influence declined due to colonial restructuring, the rise of modern…

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Sir Hugh Clifford’s stories paint a picture of Malaya during British colonial times, focusing on village life, local customs, and the relationship between the British and Malays. His writing reflects both admiration and a colonial mindset, giving…

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Tall Tales from Terengganu II presents a collection of local stories and legends from Terengganu, capturing the region's rich oral traditions and cultural heritage. These tales, passed down through generations, reflect the values, beliefs, and…

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The article by Nicholas Tarling examines the influential role of John Palmer, known as the "Prince of Merchants," in British political and commercial affairs, particularly in relation to the British-Dutch negotiations and the acquisition of…

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The article by N. W. Simmonds provides a general survey of primitive archery in the Pacific and Southeast Asia, based on his travels in 1954-55, with a focus on botanical and technological aspects, supplemented by museum and library studies.

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A fresh reconstruction of Sultan Mansur Shah’s palace in Malacca offers new insights into Malay royal architecture and historical design. Based on archaeological findings and historical records, the study gives a clearer picture of the palace’s…

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The article discusses the 1939 archaeological excavations led by M. W. F. Tweedie in the caves and rock-shelters around Gua Musang in Kelantan, highlighting the sites explored, findings, and acknowledgments for expert assistance.

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In "The Fishing Methods of Kelantan and Trengganu," M. L. Parry explores the traditional fishing techniques used in these two Malaysian states. Unlike other Malay states, Kelantan and Trengganu have been minimally influenced by external fishing…

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The article by M. E. Wayte discusses the geographical and ecological dynamics of the Port Weld area, focusing on the rapid siltation of inshore waters, the growth of mangrove forests, and the impact of these processes on the local river systems and…

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The article by M.B. Hooker discusses the early adat (traditional law) constitution of Negri Sembilan from 1773-1824, examining the emergence of a centralized state, the roles of matrilineal and patrilineal descent in society, and how patrilineal…

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The London Missionary Society kept detailed records of its work in spreading Christianity, especially through education and printing. Its missionaries played a key role in producing religious texts and school materials in local languages across Asia.…

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The Hakkas is about a group of Chinese people called the Hakka. They moved a lot and settled in different places, including Malaysia. The book talks about their hard work, strong spirit, and how they kept their own language and culture. It also shows…

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The Kedah succession crisis from 1879 to 1882 involved disputes over the rightful heir to the throne after the death of Sultan Ahmad Tajuddin Mukarram Shah. Competing claims led to political tension and intervention by neighboring powers like Siam…

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At the turn of the 20th century, Patani was viewed by many in Malaya as a culturally rich but politically troubled region under growing Siamese control. Malay observers saw the decline of Patani’s autonomy with concern, as it affected their shared…

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David Sherman Bassett, aged 85, passed away on September 13, 2024, at Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Health. Born on July 9, 1939, in Massachusetts, he was a devoted member of Ardmore Baptist Church and actively volunteered at the Shriner Hospital and…

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The article by John Bastin discusses the historical document "A Historical Sketch of the circumstances which led to the settlement of Penang & of the Trade to the Eastward previous to, and since that period" from 1794.

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Chinese writings from the 18th and 19th centuries describe the Malay Peninsula as a place full of trade, different cultures, and natural resources. These accounts show how Chinese travelers and officials viewed the region, focusing on its people,…

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Karayuki-san were Japanese women who came to Singapore between 1877 and 1941, often working as migrant workers or in the sex trade. Their stories reveal the hardships they faced, as well as how they adapted to life far from home. Their presence…

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W. W. Skeat is remembered for his major contributions to the study of Malayan ethnography, particularly through his detailed observations of local customs, beliefs, and social structures. His work combined careful field research with a deep respect…

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Between 1821 and 1885, Kedah faced a period of turmoil marked by Siamese invasion, the Sultan’s exile, and efforts to regain the throne. The struggle involved political negotiations, shifting alliances, and local resistance. Despite setbacks, the…

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The article looks at a legal issue in Jelebu involving Adat Perpateh, a matrilineal custom practiced by the Minangkabau. It highlights the tension between traditional adat laws and modern legal systems, showing how local customs still play a strong…

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Ahmat Majanu’s tombstone at Pengkalan Kempas is very old and special. It has writing in two scripts which is Jawi and Kawi which shows a mix of Islamic and older local cultures. The tomb belongs to a man named Sheikh Ahmad Majnun, and the writing…

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