Malaysia may be still a young nation, but its history goes back to a time even before Columbus
discovered America. Nature has blessed te land with an abundance of natural resources which
made it easy for settlers to sustain themselves here. Also, its strategic locaton and the monsoon
regimes had brought traders and travellers from afar. Some made their homes here, others went
back to their own land, and without realising it, all of them had contributed to the colourful
history of Malaysia.
EARLY SETTLEMENT
The earliest of the present day inhabitants of Malaysia are the orang asli of the Peninsular
and various indigenous people of Sabah and Sarawak. Many of them still pursue a largely nomadic
way of life, though there are also those who are getting adapted to 20th century living.
The first Malay settlers were the Proto-Malays who had probably established themselves by 1000 BC.
Next came the Deutero-Malays, who were more equipped with the knowledge of metals and farming methods.
Together with the orang asli, the Malays are classified as bumiputera or 'sons of
the soil'.
Subsequent waves of migration from other parts of Asia brought in peoples which today maku up the
plural society of Malaysia.
HINDU-BUDDHIST INFLUENCES
Much of Malaysia's historical development was due to its strategic location at one of the world's
major trade routes. As far back as 1BC, it was a natural meeting place for traders from the East
and West, especially from China and India. With the establishment of trading contacts with the
outside world, the country was inevitably exposed to external influences, particularly from India.
Over a span of a thousand years, the Hindu-Buddhist elements in Indian culture had left their
mark in the language, literature and customs of this land. During this period, the first political
units began to emerge.
ISLAMIZATION AND THE MALACCA SULTANATE
Around the 13th century, Islam was brought into the country, primarily by Indian and Arab traders.
The Buddhist-Hindu era had come to an end and Islam took over as a major influence, especially in
the 15th century when much of the Peninsula was under the control of the Malacca (now Melaka)
Sultanate. With the conversion of the rulers to Islam, the religion spread to other parts of the
peninsular and Sumatera, profoundly affecting the Malay society and its culture.
The Malacca Sultanate was at the heights of its power during the 15th century and since then, it
had never regained its past glory. Most of the states in Peninsula can trace their origins back
to the Sultanate.
EUROPEAN COLONIALISM
The arrival of the Europeans in the region marked the fall of the Malacca empire and brought
drastic changes to the country. There was a succession of colonial rulers: the Portuguese came
in early 16th century, the Dutch took over in the 17th century, followed by the British in the
18th century. It was during the British rule that the political integration of the Malay states
was brought about.
Over in Borneo, the states of Sabah and Sarawak were beginning to take shape as British adventures
acquired territory at the expense of the Brunei Sultanate.
THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION AND POST WAR EFFECTS
During the second World War, the Japanese invaded the country and shattered the British rule.
Though the Japanese Occupation had produced much fear and sufferings, the local also learnt to
fend for themselves.
When the British returned to reimpose their rule after Japan's defeat, they were faced with an
entirely new political situation. Administrative changes were made and it was proposed that a
new Malayan Union be formed. However, as it only served to strengthen the British rule, the
proposal was met with strong opposition.
Consequently the move was abandoned and in 1948, the Federation of Malaya was established.
INDEPENDENCE
The first federal election took place in 1955. It spelt a landslide victory for the Alliance
pressed for independence on August 31 1957, shouts of 'Mederka' vibrated throughout the
whole country.
MALAYSIA
Six years after Independance, on September 16 1963, Sabah and Sarawak joined the eleven states
of the Peninsula. The Federation of Malaya was officially renamed the Federation of Malaysia.
Since, then, Malaysia has progressed rapidly. It has taken on new political directions, social
changes, economic challenges and in the world political scene, assertive stands on various
internationl issues. And as it celebrates its 41st Independence Day, it is poised to take on
the challenges of another decade.