Colonial Rule
   The extension of the British influence to the Malays Peninsula began after the Straits Settlement became a crown colony in 1867. The main cause the of Britain's intervention was to protect the interest of it's subjects. The British signed formal treaties with the Malay rulers which enabled them to appoint officers (called residents or advisers) to take charge of all administrative matters, except those relating to Islam and Malay customs. The 1800's saw the the expansion of British influence to Sarawak and Sabah.
  Sarawak(originally not much larger than the present area of Kuching) was acquired from Brunei by an English adventurer, James Brooke. In the next 20 years, Brooke expanded his territory at the expense of Brunei. At the same time he launched expeditions against all local groups that opposed him. Brooke allied himself with the coastal people in order to suppress the people living in the interior. Agricultural development of sago, pepper and rubber drew a large number of Chinese to Sarawak. By the late 1800's distinct Chinese settlements had emerged in a number of places.
  Private traders purchased North Borneo(Sabah) between 1877 and 1878 from the sultan of Sulu. They formed a company to administer the territory systematically. In 1881, the British granted a charter to the company, which continued to rule until the Japanese invasion of 1941.
  British power gradually extended to the north. In 1909, the UK signed a treaty with Siam which allowed the British a free hand to establish influence over the Malay States of Perlis, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu.
  Gradually the British consolidated their control over the Malay Peninsula and Sabah and Sarawak. Whenever there was opposition, the British sent troops to suppress it. The British administered and influenced I every aspect of the Malaysian life, from education to political. They laid the foundation of the economy from the Agricultural aspect as Malaysia was full of natural resources. Created drainage system for the planting and expansion of rice field. Rubber estates and tin mining were among the others. While the British still maintained the rights of the Malay Sultanate in each state so not to create any unnecessary upheaval among the locals which can be very violent at times. Therefore the hierarchy of the Monarchy system still remains till today.

Part 5 - World War II

The Rise of Johor | British Reign in Malaysia | Colonial Rule in Malaysia | World War II in Malaysia| Important Historical Dates |