Malaysian History From Dutch Sources

Malaysia's multicultural society supports one of the most dynamic economies in Asia. This completely revised new edition of the standard text, first published twenty years ago, traces the history of the country from early times to the present day. The authors give particular attention to the evolution of Malay polities and their close links with indigenous groups who lived on the oceans and in the deep jungles of the region, from Sumatra to Borneo. This provides the background to the establishment of the Malay port of Melaka, which was conquered by the Portuguese in 1511, foreshadowing the establishment of a British colonial regime in the late nineteenth century. Although the large numbers of Chinese and Indian migrants who arrived to work in the tin and rubber industries contributed to economic expansion, colonial policies did not encourage communal interaction. The authors trace the process by which post-independence leaders in Malaya attempted to counter the legacy of ethnic hostility while answering Malay demands for an affirmation of their rights and a stronger commitment to Islam. The incorporation of the Borneo states of Sarawak and Sabah into the Federation of Malaysia in 1963 rendered the goal of welding a nation from areas that were geographically separated and culturally disparate even more problematic. The intense emotions attached to issues of race were made tragically evident in the racial riots of May 1969, which this book sees as a watershed in modern Malaysian history. As Malaysia enters the twenty-first century, the government is determined to oversee the transition to an economy focused on manufacturing and advanced technology, and to eliminate poverty and the association between occupation and race. While several recent studies deal with the impact of colonial rule and Malaysia's spectacular economic transition, this book is unique because it tracks developments from early times and identifies continuities as well as change. Combining the authors' specialist knowledge of precolonial sources with the most recent contemporary research, this new edition reinforces the position of A History of Malaysia position as a standard reference for all those interested in the historical processes which led to the emergence of this culturally varied and economically energetic country.

Written in the perspective of a Malaysian Dutch descendant, it gives a comprehensive and never before narrated story about the history of the Dutch in Malaysia and the Malaysian Dutch community. This book divides the Dutch historical influences in Malaysia into four different eras. Each era is analysed and represented in relation to its respective social environment and political developments. Included are the historical contributions of individuals, such as the Dutch Admirals who attempted to capture Malacca, the Dutch Governors and their administrative ranks who governed the town and the contributions of the Malacca Burghers in shaping Malaysia's history.

"This book attempts to trace back and compare the geological and demographical transformation and development of the town of Melaka and its surroundings over the centuries, with focus on its expansion particularly within the last 40 years. It contains a compilation of some never before seen photographs from private collections. It also records the development of Melaka as how it was then and is now, from eye level and from the top, as Melaka continues to develop and change. This book is published to commemorate the prestigious World Heritage City award conferred by UNESCO to Melaka."--Goodreads

In The Land of the Sultans the author narrates Malaysia's past, drawing not only from Western sources, but also from the colourful Sejarah Melayu - the famous Malay chronicles that are a mixture of classical romance and factual description. The result is a text which provides an accurate historical record, as well as an insight into the country's unique culture and customs.

Reconnecting Through Our Roots was published with the kind assistance from the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Malaysia and the Netherlands Association Malaysia. It is one of the very few publications that tells of a forgotten Malaysian ethnic group: the Dutch descendants in Malaysia. Copies of the book was were freely distributed via the Malaysian National Library to libraries and resource centres of local heritage organisations, universities and public libraries all over the world. The book contains a record of the proceedings of the historic event entitled ‘Reconnecting through our roots — International gathering of Dutch descendants’ that was held on July 17th and 18th, 2004 in the 330 year old Atlas Ice Building located at Jonker Street, Malacca, Malaysia.