The Rise of Johor
The ruling dynasty moved to Johor instead where it became a leading port in the straits of Melaka. And then came another power struggle between Johor, Aceh(Indonesia) and the Portuguese in Melaka. Johor was therefore attacked several times, but the sultanate state survived. Dutch ships began to visit the area regularly during the 1600's. In 1641 the Dutch used Johor as their ally in a concerted attack on Melaka which dislodged the Portuguese. But Johor did not regain Melaka.
   The Dutch entrenched themselves in Melaka and ruled for nearly 200 years. The Dutch did not interfere with internal affairs, although they fought many wars with local powers. The Dutch built forts on Pangkor Island and Tanjung Putus. They made treaties with the local powers, mainly to obtain supply of tin.
  Throughout the second half of the 1600', Johor controlled almost all the territories which had been governed by the Melaka Sultanese. Then the Johor Sultanate gradually declined, worn out by the wars and internal strife. A ruler of the Johor, the direct descendant of the Melaka dynasty was killed in 1699. His bendahara(prime minister) a commoner succeeded him. This was the the first time such a thing has happened in Malay history. But the bendahara failed to hold the empire together. A Siak prince from Sumatra, claiming to be the son of the assassinated ruler challenged the Johor ruler and dethroned him and ruled Johor until the Dutch decided to conquer Johor in 1784.

Part 3 - British Reign

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