Malaysian History Research Articles

Heroism in Malaysia's History: An Analysis of the Curriculum Standard Textbook for Form Three Secondary School (KSSM)

The importance of the subject of History can be seen through the efforts of the government via the Ministry of Education Malaysia (KPM) which made it a requirement to pass History to qualify students for obtaining the SPM certificate starting in 2013. Then, in 2014, the subject of History was introduced into the Primary School Standard Curriculum (KSSR) for Year 4 students. Because History is chronological and narrative in nature, the content of the syllabus is often seen as repetitive and overlapping with events and figures, causing students to fail and become confused in terms of mastery of learning. In line with technological advancements and mainstream currents, the names of figures studied in school such as Tok Janggut, Rentap, and others have 'faded' away. Conversely, today's youth increasingly idolize Western superheroes such as Superman, Marvel, and Spiderman from imaginative film adaptations. Therefore, in the context of nation and state-building, local heroic figures (Malaysian heroes) are essential actors in strengthening national sovereignty, defending the homeland, resisting colonizers, and instilling the spirit of nationalism. Local heroic figures can be identified in two categories: the royal group and the local community. This study aims to analyse the content of KSSM History textbooks and the extent to which these figures are used as drivers of nationalism through the appreciation of local heroes in KSSM History textbooks. This study uses a fully qualitative method with content analysis of textbooks related to aspects of heroism in local history. The findings of the study show that the heroic elements applied can produce Higher Order Thinking Skills (KBAT) in students and are important as preparation for students to master more challenging learning at the upper secondary level.

Aggression in a Cohort of Male Methamphetamine (METH) Users With and Without Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) Use History in Malaysia

ABSTRACT Methamphetamine (METH) consumption is associated with aggression. Decoction derived from the kratom (Mitragyna speciosa Korth.) leaf has been used as a METH substitute in Southeast Asia. Given its perceived benefit, we investigated the relationship between kratom use and aggression in a treatment sample of METH users with and without kratom use history. Four hundred and three male METH users participated in this cross-sectional study. A semi-structured questionnaire and several objective clinical measures were administered. Results indicate that there were no significant differences in aggression and its dimensions between METH users with and without kratom use history. However, two distinct Clusters (1 and 2) of METH users with kratom use history were studied. Users in Cluster 1 were characterized by a higher quantity and frequency of daily kratom use, longer duration of kratom use, and use of kratom at a younger age. Users in Cluster 2 exhibited the opposite characteristics. Kratom dependence and the first age of kratom use were identified as risk factors for aggression in Cluster 1. The frequency of daily kratom use appeared as a protective factor against aggression in Cluster 2. The results offer partial support to the instrumental kratom use concept; lower frequency (1 to 3 times) of kratom use may potentially minimize aggression in METH users presenting with mild to moderate kratom dependence.

Malaysia’s ICT sector policymaking: toward a developmental network state

The history of Malaysia’s efforts to develop an internationally competitive information and communication technology (ICT) sector demonstrates how state interventionism has shaped its development trajectory. Early ambitions to ‘leapfrog’ Malaysia’s development by launching a cutting-edge innovation-based ICT sector failed, yet recent dynamism has established an internationally competitive shared services/global business process outsourcing sub-sector, as well as created a thriving eco-system for ICT-based start-up entrepreneurship in industries such as digital platform services and creative content. The renovation of the state’s role exemplifies key features of O’Riain’s model of the developmental network state (DNS) including the decentralization and networking of public agencies implementing industrial policy across the enterprise development life cycle, as well as a fast-follower approach to targeting. Unlike the DNS model, however, in Malaysia an enterprise ecosystem policy approach has not eroded the state’s overall economic leadership by embedding public authority in networks with private business interest group constituencies.

Al-Fatani's Perspectives on Islamic Family Law: Insights from Hidayah Al-Muta’allim Wa’Umdah Al-Muta’alim

The evolution of Islamic Family Law in Malaysia is a nuanced amalgamation of Malay customs, cultural influences, and Islamic jurisprudence. Rooted in the history of Malaya, the formation of current Islamic Family Law reflects the fusion of these elements. This study delves into Daud Abdullah Al-Fatani's seminal work Hidayah Al-Muta’allim Wa’Umdah Al-Muta’alim, a pivotal contribution to Malaysian Islamic jurisprudence. Comparing Al-Fatani's insights with those of scholars from diverse schools of thought and contemporary Islamic Family Law enactments, the focus remains on key issues such as Zihār, Khiyar, and Nusyuz. The study reveals that Al-Fatani's perspectives transcend strict adherence to the Al-Shafi‘i school, while aligning with the Islamic Family Law (Federal Territories) Act 1984. His views on marriage dissolution and wife’s disobedience are influenced by Malay culture, while maintaining fidelity to the Qur’ān and Sunnah exemplified by his stance on Zihār. This resonates in Malaysia's current Islamic Family Law which is not rigidly bound to the Al-Shafi‘i school but intricately considers cultural conditions.

Winstedt, colonialism and the Malaysian history wars

ABSTRACT European colonialist thinking continues to influence history writing after national independence – even in the construction of national narratives. In the case of Malaysia, the work of the scholar-official, Richard Winstedt, has had a far-reaching impact – and one that is seldom recognised. The 20th century was a crucial period in the political and historical construction of ‘Malay(si)a’ – a time when a colonial state was imagined, and then positioned as a foundation for post-colonial nation-building. Malay(si)a did not exist as a political entity before this time – it had to be carved out of the Indian (or ‘Malay’) Archipelago, an enormous region largely under Dutch authority. The historical construction of Malay(si)a was never a homogenous process, even in colonial narratives. This article examines the strategy Winstedt undertook to develop a state narrative – suggesting how his work moved beyond that of earlier British historians. Although Winstedt’s project was explicitly ‘modern’ in its purpose and style, we also note ways in which he was influenced by pre-modern Malay writers. The final section examines Winstedt’s impact on local Malay(si)an writing, including Malaysia’s standard national narrative. Some local historians, however, resisted Winstedt – and sought to write the Malaysian nation from alternative perspectives. Nation-making in this and other regions of Southeast Asia is all the more interesting because it has been a dialogic rather than merely integrative project.

CHALLENGES IN THE CURRICULUM OF THE HISTORY OF COLONIAL MALAYA 1863-1949. (CABARAN DALAM KURIKULUM SEJARAH TANAH MELAYU ERA KOLONIAL TAHUN 1863-1949.)

This article focuses on the main challenges faced in the pre-independence Malaysian history curriculum, which is an important aspect of understanding the historical development of the country. The objective of this article is to examine the extent of the main factors contributing to the challenges in the history curriculum during the colonial era of Malaya from 1863 to 1949. The scope of this article includes the background of the history curriculum to understand these challenges and identify issues affecting the history curriculum in Malaysia. The method used is a qualitative approach, involving the analysis of primary sources such as government files, newspapers, archival documents, and educational reports to understand the curriculum policy and colonial interventions. Secondary sources are also used to support this article. The results indicate that by appreciating past history, we can describe the development of the history curriculum before independence and enhance knowledge in this research. By exposing the challenges faced in the past, we can explore the relevant implications for the modern educational context and propose measures for future improvements. Thus, a deep understanding of the challenges of the preindependence history curriculum will enrich the country's educational and historical discourse, as well as provide important guidance for the development of the current history curriculum.

Centring the Periphery: New Forays in Malaysian Economic History

Abstract: Writings on Malaysian history follow trends that affect history writing around the world, but not always at the same pace. This article revolves around the significance of centring the periphery in looking at Malaysian history and discusses the effects of innovations associated with the New History, the new economic history, the Annales school, women’s history and gender studies, post-modernism, and global history on historical writing in Malaysia. It begins with a broad regional focus and culminates in a discussion of how Penang, a peripheral actor from some perspectives, also serves as a centre.

Perpaduan dalam Pembangunan Ekonomi 1957-1970, Kesan terhadap Keamanan, Keharmonian dan Kestabilan Politik di Malaysia

This writing is about unity in economic development in Malaysia from 1967 to 1970 and its effect on peace, harmony and political stability in Malaysia. The study is to evaluate national issues related to unity and political stability in Malaysia since before independence until the country achieved independence. The history of Malaya has gone through various experiences since the British colonial entry and the Japanese occupation so much influenced the political, social and economic conditions in Malaysia. This study uses qualitative methods by analyzing documents obtained from the National Archives and public institutions of higher learning in Malaysia in addition to making references to secondary materials such as history books and journals. The findings of the study show that Malaysia has a very long history in forming a society that lives in unity and harmony. Socioeconomic issues and problems are matters that need to be resolved in the multi-racial society in Malaysia in addition to empowering educational institutions as a way to build harmony, unity and stability in the country. In conclusion, the writing of this study shows that the issues of unity, harmony and political stability are closely related to current factors especially related to socioeconomics and politics in Malaysia.

Perpaduan dalam Pembangunan Ekonomi 1957-1970, Kesan terhadap Keamanan, Keharmonian dan Kestabilan Politik di Malaysia

This writing is about unity in economic development in Malaysia from 1967 to 1970 and its effect on peace, harmony and political stability in Malaysia. The study is to evaluate national issues related to unity and political stability in Malaysia since before independence until the country achieved independence. The history of Malaya has gone through various experiences since the British colonial entry and the Japanese occupation so much influenced the political, social and economic conditions in Malaysia. This study uses qualitative methods by analyzing documents obtained from the National Archives and public institutions of higher learning in Malaysia in addition to making references to secondary materials such as history books and journals. The findings of the study show that Malaysia has a very long history in forming a society that lives in unity and harmony. Socioeconomic issues and problems are matters that need to be resolved in the multi-racial society in Malaysia in addition to empowering educational institutions as a way to build harmony, unity and stability in the country. In conclusion, the writing of this study shows that the issues of unity, harmony and political stability are closely related to current factors especially related to socioeconomics and politics in Malaysia.

Chempaka: A Flora Motif as Design Identity in Batik Chempaka, PPDK Merbok

Batik Malaysia refers to the traditional Malaysian art of batik-making which includes the application of wax and dyes to cloth to produce elaborate patterns and design. Batik has a long history in Malaysia and is a key part of the country’s cultural legacy, representing its identity and customs. This paper discusses the floral motif as design identity and production of the Chempaka flower motif. It explores the history and cultural significance of the Chempaka flower motif in batik making and how it has been adapted to create modern design. Overall, the paper concludes with the importance of the Cempaka flower motif as a design identity and the need to preserve its cultural significance in the batik industry.

Outh Participation in Local Process: Reflections of Bangsamoro Youth in Policymaking in Malaysia

This note details our reflections on participating in an academic visit and learning exchange on public policymaking in Malaysia. The Institute of Public Policy and Management (INPUMA) at Universiti Malaya and The Bangsamoro Youth Commission (BYC) of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority jointly organised the program. Our executive summary covers the event and includes reflections from BYC participants participating in the program and policy lab simulation. We want to thank Professor Dr Khadijah Md Khalid and her team at INPUMA for their impactful and intellectual contributions to the event. During the program, we also considered Malaysia's history of the peace process in Mindanao and the cultural exchange between Malaysians and Bangsamoro. We are grateful to the professors and speakers who have enriched our public policy, governance, and youth development knowledge. INPUMA's commitment to empowering the BYC is commendable, and we appreciate all those who contributed to the program's success. We would like to recognise the BYC Coordinator and their team for their exceptional efforts in coordinating logistics and ensuring a successful learning exchange. Their professionalism and dedication ensured that everyone had a productive and enriching experience.

PENTERJEMAHAN KARYA SASTERA MELAYU OLEH INSTITUT TERJEMAHAN & BUKU MALAYSIA [THE TRANSLATION OF MALAY LITERARY WORKS BY INSTITUT TERJEMAHAN & BUKU MALAYSIA

This article documents the publication of Malay literary works translated into foreign languages in Malaysia by the Malaysian Institute of Translation and Books from 1993 until 2018. This study uses the translation archeology method by D'hulst to obtain information about (i) translated literary works, (ii) parties involved, (iii) translation funding, (iv) method of translation and (v) function of translated literary works for the audience. The results show that the publication of Malay literary works into foreign languages only started in 2006. The publication of Malay Literature in foreign languages is divided into two categories – National Literature and Children's Literature. Within 25 years, 263 titles have been published in 12 foreign languages. The highest publication titles were translated from Malay into English, with 167 titles. There were 120 translators involved in this publication; 41 were native speakers (L1), while 79 were non-native speakers (L2). The most translated work by a Malaysian writer into foreign languages ​​is A. Samad Said for the National Literature category, while Rahimidin Zahari's work is the most translated for Children's Literature. The publication of Malay literary works into foreign languages was funded by ten international publishers using a cost-sharing strategy that included Germany, Japan, and Taiwan. This study implies that the documentation using this archaeological translation method can provide a complete picture of Malaysia's history, development, and translation activity.

Determinant of architectural features of Istana Bandar Alaeddin Selangor

Architecture developed by humanity is the most sophisticated phenomenon relevant to the context of the environment, which is the context in which man and his environment interact with each other, were an essential component of architectural heritage growth. In this study, the main purpose is to look at the presence of art man-made construction of the palace, a building that played a significant role in the history of Malaysia. In this study context, a palace can be an olden history meant a residence for the ruler or head of the state, and often served as a place of administration. This palace can be seen in Malaysia for a certain period. This study will address the closely related evolution of the architectural features of the Palace in Malaysia that can be seen from the pre-colonial period, the colonial era, and before independence. The method of this study used a qualitative researcher observation. Architecture elements and features will adequately determine. Istana Bandar Alaeddin was chosen and considered a unique design element of royal palace architecture. The spatial organization of the palace is put together to make it work the way it does. The primary result shows that the conquerors of the past events made their influence touch on the development of architecture in Malaysia as a sign in the features of the Palace building together with vernacular concepts hybrid with different cultures. Thus, this finding can be a documentation of architectural features to become a reference for future generations about our previous culture and history and for authority to maintain and conserve this heritage building.

Preserving Child's Faith in Malaysian Law: A Maqasidic Approach

Preserving faith is the most significant goal for Muslims. However, fulfilling these objectives in the best possible way according to the principle of maqāṣid al-sharī’ah(the objective of Islamic law) within the framework of the dual system of Malaysian law is challenging. Preserving faith within maqāṣid al-sharī’ah discussion provides enormous opportunities for Muslims to nurture and protect their Islamic faith while regulating the laws that prohibit any harmful elements that could jeopardize it. The Federal Constitution of Malaysia guarantees everyone's freedom of religion. However, freedom of religion provided under Malaysian law has restrictions due to the uniqueness of Malaysian history. This article critically discusses the maqasidic-approach adopted to preserve Muslim child's faith. This article examines the government's effort to maintain Muslim child's faith concerning the laws and policies of education and Malaysian law on issues linked to the conversion of Muslims to other faiths and vice versa. The court decision on child's religion cases indicates a distinct feature of Muslim and non-Muslims' right to freedom of religion under Malaysian law. There are prospects for utilizing the maqāṣid al-sharī’ah framework effectively to promote the preservation of a child's faith in the context of Malaysian law.

Social Media and Malaysia's 2022 Election: The Growth and Impact of Video Campaigning

This article argues that Malaysia's 2022 General Election (GE15) amplified negative campaigning via new techniques associated with platform and technological advancements, led by creative innovations in campaign tactics, including livestreaming and video content. GE15 was the freest election campaign in Malaysia's history. All political parties and coalitions enjoyed access to a wide range of mainstream and online media to disseminate content, and new platforms like TikTok emerged as influential conduits of campaign messages. Yet serious problems in this digital public sphere remain a feature of the country's media landscape. These include cybertroopers, fake news peddlers, and those creating polarizing content around race and religious issues. This article explains how social media campaigning in Malaysia is becoming more professionalized and better resourced, inspiring some diversity and creativity, while at the same time enabling groups who spread narratives intended to incite and enrage, particularly via video content. The Malaysian case exemplifies the growing problems within the contemporary digital public sphere, showing how the professionalization of social media campaigning can lead to disinformation and, ultimately, polarization.

Why Teaching History Is Difficult

History is important because it teaches useful lessons from the past that may be applied to today's world regardless of geographic or cultural barriers. It is essential that the topic be taught well in order for students to get a strong understanding of the importance of what they are studying. Most students despise studying history in school because they perceive it to be an uninspiring, slanted compilation of facts and data. This basic notion of the topic undermines the aim of teaching and mastering secondary-level History. In elementary and high school, it was one of the most despised topics. For students' enthusiasm for history to be reignited, drastic changes must be made to the way the subject is currently taught and presented in the classroom. It's critical to figure out what's causing pupils to lose interest in the topic on a daily basis. Some of the causes include the presentation of the topic, the teaching techniques employed, a lack of sufficient content understanding among many others. There have been a number of issues preventing students in Malaysian schools from receiving a solid education in history. In light of the paucity of research examining the issues instructors experience while teaching history in Malaysia, this study, which drew on the perspectives of five history teachers, sought to fill that gap. The research indicated that history teachers face a number of challenges, including instructional concerns, behavioural issues, views about pupils, and environmental variables. History teachers face a number of challenges based on the study's results. In light of this result, it was proposed that the syllabus material be merged to align with the time frame allowed for its execution among other things. Teachers should also be given the required tools to improve their teaching of the topic

Memahami Sejarah dan Geopolitik Amerika Syarikat di Segi Tiga Emas Thailand: Hubungkait Ketagihan dan Penyeludupan Dadah serta Keselamatan Malaysia

We examine the latest proposals of new Malaysia's government to decriminalise drug addiction issues. From defence and security perspective, the authors cautioned Malaysia's hasty decision to decriminalise drug addicts when existing security measures to combat drug smuggling at the cross-border remained unresolved. In demonstrating the relations between illegal drug supplies in the Malaysian black market with the transnational drug syndicate, the authors focus historical existence of the Golden Triangle and the US’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) presence in the area during the Cold War. The CIA’s involvement in the drug triangle within complex nested security threats. It brought the Malaysian history of drugs and the introduction of capital punishment with the past relations of Malaya's communist insurgency with the northern Vietnam government and the Vietnam War. Given the current shift of the Southeast Asian tension involving the US-China power rivalry in the South China Sea, any current attempt to decriminalise dangerous addicted substances must take into past the historical geopolitical complexity of transnational and traditional security threats. Currently, the conceptualisation of drug addictions as national security threats relies upon existing capital punishment for drug abuse as a criminal offence. These offences relied heavily upon jurisprudence conceptualisation of addiction with possession of the abused substance. A proposal to decriminalise Malaysian addicts needs to understand the reliance of threats upon criminal offence concepts of the addictive substance. Thus, without criminological concepts of unlawful possession, legal loopholes cannot deter transnational security problems caused by drug traffickers and smugglers.

Towards Developing a Shariah Governance Framework for Waqf Institutions: A Case of Majlis Agama Islam Melaka

The practice of Waqf is deeply rooted in the history of Malaysia, going as far back as the 15th century during the Malaccan Sultanate. Waqf, at the time, became popular amongst Muslims in the Malay Peninsula. It brought about remarkable changes to the communities and the standard of living, and the world's outlook on the inhabitants (Mahamood, 2006). The building of mosques like the Kg. Hulu Mosque in Malacca, the Sultan Abu Bakar Mosque in Johor, and the Kg Laut Mosque in Kelantan are momentous examples of the early and firm establishment of Waqf in Malaysia (Sayin, 1994a). During the early stages of Waqf in the Malay states, the community organizers were responsible for managing the waqf assets' trusteeship. The trustees were responsible for the organization, its control, and Waqf management to benefit the beneficiaries. However, the purchases were not documented or evidenced to be used for Waqf. The lack of proper documentation caused different issues, like claims made by the heirs over the asset after the asset owner passed away, leading to the inability to use the asset for Waqf. Waqf properties during the colonization period from 1511 to 1946 witnessed many changes in their development. A notable difference was that waqf management's responsibility gradually shifted to the respective Majlis Agama Islam Negeri or State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRCs). Keywords: Waqf, Shari'ah governance, Majlis Agama Islam, and Malaysia

Penang: The Fourth Presidency of India 1805–1830. Vol. 3: Water, Wigs and Wisdom by Marcus Langdon

Reviewed by: Penang: The Fourth Presidency of India 1805–1830. Vol. 3: Water, Wigs and Wisdom by Marcus Langdon Kwa Chong Guan Penang: The Fourth Presidency of India 1805–1830. Vol. 3: Water, Wigs and Wisdom, by Marcus Langdon. Penang: Entrepot Publishing, 2021, 505 pp. ISBN 978-967-17008-6-0 This is the third volume of Marcus Langdon’s massive and monumental collation of the archived records on Penang’s history between 1805–1830. Volume One was published in 2013 and reviewed by John Bastin in volume 87, part 1 of this Journal. Bastin noted that Langdon “is a British-born Australian amateur historian who first visited the island in the mid-1970s, attracted by a family legend relating to an ancestor employed in the Penang Botanical Garden. The word ‘amateur’ in the present context is hardly appropriate as the book is unquestionably one of the most professionally conceived and well-written works published in an area of Malaysian history.” Volume Two was published in 2015 and we now have volume 3 published in 2021, which continues the structure of the preceding two volumes of collating [End Page 146] the archived records on Penang according to the issues preserved in the archives. Volume One collated the records for the elevation of the twenty-year old British settlement on Penang into an East India Company (EIC) Presidency of India equivalent to Calcutta, Madras and Bombay, all governed by the Company from its Bengal offices. Volume One also detailed the records of the men charged with the administration of Penang, from Francis Light to Kenneth Murchison, the Governor from 1833 to 1836. The other issues examined in Volume One are the construction of the two buildings which were the centres of government: Government House which survives today as part of the Convent Light Street and Suffolk House, also standing today as heritage building. Volume Two looked at the central structure constructed by the EIC to defend its settlement: Fort Cornwallis. In this context, Fort Cornwallis performed a central function similar to Fort St George in Madras, Fort William in Calcutta and Fort George in Bombay. Similarly, Fort Canning and a series of other artillery forts protected Singapore in the nineteenth century. In earlier centuries, a series of forts defined the port cities of the Dutch and the Portuguese. Besides Fort Cornwallis, Volume Two also examined four institutions in Penang’s historical development: The Free School, St. George’s Church and the Spice and Botanic Gardens and the Library. Two issues which challenged the development of Penang are also covered in this volume. They are the fires in George Town and seashore erosion threatening Penang’s north shore. Volume Three continues this institutional history of Penang with a review of issues in the building of an aqueduct for the provision of potable water to the growing town; and critically, the development of the Jetty or quay central to Penang’s raison d’être as a port-city. The volume also collates the records on the establishment of the public hospital and the introduction and administration of law and order in the settlement and the jail as part of an evolving colonial penal system. Finally, the volume looks at the early newspapers published in Penang from which Langdon draws much information for this history of Penang. Langdon has systematically combed the records of the East India Company in its Straits Settlement Records archived in Singapore and in London, and the India Office Records for this history on the formative twenty-five years of Penang’s history. The salient feature of this history is that Langdon has summarised or reproduced in extenso much of the records he found, so enabling others to draw upon them for their own interpretation of Penang’s early history. The issues and events that Langdon has reconstructed from these archived records of the Hon. Company were what preoccupied the administrators of Penang from Francis Light and his successors, including George Caunter, George Leith among others. It is an account of the problems and challenges they confronted in keeping alive the fledgling settlement they had charge of. It is a history of the system and institutions they put in place...

The Modern Malay: A Comparative Study of Katherine Sim’s Malacca Boy (1957) and Mahathir Mohamad’s The Malay Dilemma (1970)

This article examines the representations of the modern Malay in Katherine Sim’s Malacca Boy (1957), which is set against the backdrop of historical events in British Malaya, including the Japanese Occupation. An important historical commentary on Malay life and modernising Malaya, the novel invites us to revisit the ingrained scholarly views about colonial writers as well as the contemporary racial discourse about the Malay. Using a new historicist approach, this article has a two-fold aim: first, to analyse how Malacca Boy engages the critical issues of race and modernity in its portrayal of Malay identity through the protagonist, Hassan; and second, to examine the relevance of Sim’s portrayal in relation to the contemporary political narrative of the Malay in Mahathir Mohamad’s The Malay Dilemma (1970). Indeed, very little research has been done to consider how the trajectories of fiction and non-fiction intersect in the discussion of race and modernity, and therein lies the novelty and strength of our study. Although it is uncommon to compare literary fiction and non-fiction writing, we contend that such an unconventional approach to literary analysis will yield important insights to the narration of Malaysian history, both in the colonial past and postcolonial present, and the place of the modern Malay in it.