History of Malaysia

Hey fellow adventurers! It’s time to discuss the history of Malaysia. Throughout the post, I’m going to use the name Malaysia for convenience but that’s a more recent name. Malaysia has been called Malaya in the past, as well as some other names. I’m sorry if that confuses anyone.

There is evidence to support that human activity has occurred in Malaysia for at least 40,000 years. Trade with China and India was established as far back as 100 BCE. Trade doesn’t just bring in buyable goods though, but culture and religion. By 400 CE, Buddhism and Hinduism were introduced to Malaysia via India. By 1300, Islam was introduced by Arab and Indian merchants. During what is sometimes called a “second flowering of Islam,” four Muslim empires (Ottoman, Safavid, Songhay and Mughal) gained strong political and military power, as well as economic prosperity. By the 1400s, the trading network was largely controlled by Muslims in the Southeast Asia area. To attract these traders to their cities, a lot of Hindu and Buddhist rulers converted to Islam and enforced Islamic law.

A few countries have occupied Malaysia throughout history but the British controlled Malaysia the longest. Although at first the British only wanted economic control over Malaysia, they soon wanted territorial control as well. Under British rule, the British brought in Indians to do manual labor, such as Tin mining. This made Indian and Chinese Malaysians the primary manual labor workforce. While Malay Malaysians had opportunities to work in government positions, such as for the police. Positions the British generally closed off to non-Europeans. Not only that but the British gave off the impression that the Malay Malaysians were the rulers of Malaysia but didn’t give them any authority to rule. This inequality created a rift between the races. If you want to learn more about Colonial control over Malaysia, read the following article:

http://factsanddetails.com/southeast-asia/Malaysia/sub5_4a/entry-3619.html

During World War II, Japan set out to acquire resources that would free it from its dependence on the West. The Japanese shared a desire with several Southeast Asian countries to liberate countries under European control. The Japanese claimed they were going to make “Asia for Asians.” However soon after they began conquering countries, it became clear that they were more interested in resources, than liberation. The Japanese’s first act in Malaysia was to kill the Chinese Malaysians. After which, the Japanese established a rule, and you either followed or died. The occupation of the Japanese ended after the United States dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945. If you wish to learn more, I highly recommend this show from history channel:

After Japanese occupation ended, it wasn’t long until the British took control again. This was welcomed by some Malaysians and dreaded by others. Those who wanted Malaysian independence fought to get rid of British control. In 1957, Malaysia is free from British control. And in 1963, Malaysia officially becomes Malaysia. If you would like a more comprehensive timeline of the history of Malaysia, check out BBC:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-15391762

I also recommend watching this interesting piece about former Malaysian communists that were kicked out of Malaysia while it was still Malaya:

That’s all for today’s post! I hope you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for reading my blog, and as always, until our next adventure!

6,347 thoughts on “History of Malaysia”

  1. Have you ever considered about including a little bit more than just your articles?
    I mean, what you say is fundamental and all. Nevertheless think about if you added some great
    visuals or video clips to give your posts more, “pop”!

    Your content is excellent but with images and clips, this website could certainly be one
    of the very best in its field. Very good blog!

  2. Wow, amazing blog layout! How long have you been blogging for?
    you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your web
    site is great, let alone the content!

  3. Hi! I just wanted to ask if you ever have any trouble
    with hackers? My last blog (wordpress) was hacked and I ended
    up losing a few months of hard work due to no backup.
    Do you have any methods to protect against hackers?

  4. I like the helpful information you provide in your articles.

    I’ll bookmark your weblog and check again here regularly.
    I am quite certain I’ll learn many new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

  5. Hello there, I found your site by the use of Google at the same time as looking for a related
    matter, your website got here up, it seems good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

    Hi there, simply become alert to your weblog via Google, and found that it is truly informative.

    I am going to watch out for brussels. I’ll be grateful when you proceed this
    in future. Numerous folks will be benefited from your writing.
    Cheers!

  6. Amazing blog! Is your theme custom made or did you
    download it from somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple
    adjustements would really make my blog jump
    out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Thank you

  7. My spouse and I stumbled over here coming from a different page and thought I might
    check things out. I like what I see so now i’m following you.
    Look forward to going over your web page again.

  8. I think this is one of the most important information for
    me. And i am glad reading your article. But wanna remark
    on some general things, The web site style is
    perfect, the articles is really nice : D.
    Good job, cheers

  9. Fantastic goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous
    to and you’re just extremely fantastic. I really like what you have acquired here, really like
    what you’re saying and the way in which you say it.
    You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it sensible.
    I can not wait to read much more from you. This is really a wonderful
    website.

  10. I just like the valuable information you provide to your articles.
    I will bookmark your blog and check again here
    regularly. I am somewhat certain I’ll learn lots of new stuff proper here!
    Best of luck for the next!

  11. Wonderful article! That is the type of info that should
    be shared around the net. Shame on Google for no longer positioning this post higher!
    Come on over and talk over with my site . Thank you =)

  12. That is really attention-grabbing, You are a very skilled
    blogger. I have joined your rss feed and stay up
    for in search of extra of your wonderful post. Additionally, I have shared your web site in my social networks

  13. I got this website from my buddy who told me on the topic of
    this website and now this time I am browsing this
    site and reading very informative posts here.

  14. I was recommended this blog by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as no one
    else know such detailed about my trouble. You’re wonderful!
    Thanks!

  15. I like the valuable information you provide in your articles.
    I will bookmark your weblog and check again here frequently.
    I’m quite certain I’ll learn many new stuff right here!
    Best of luck for the next!

  16. Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and in depth information you provide.
    It’s awesome to come across a blog every once in a while that
    isn’t the same outdated rehashed information. Great read!

    I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.

  17. I’m extremely pleased to find this site. I wanted to thank you for your time for this
    fantastic read!! I definitely appreciated every part of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff
    on your website.

  18. Hi there, this weekend is nice in support of me,
    as this moment i am reading this impressive informative paragraph here
    at my house.

  19. Hello just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let
    you know a few of the pictures aren’t loading properly.
    I’m not sure why but I think its a linking issue. I’ve tried it in two different browsers
    and both show the same results.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *