Pangkor Engagement Analysis

Pangkor Engagement, is a treaty between the British government and Malay chiefs in Perak, the first step in the establishment of British dominion over the Malay states. In January 1874, Governor Andrew Clarke of the Straits Settlements, prompted by the local trading community, organized a meeting between British, Malay, and Chinese leaders to settle a Perak succession dispute and to stop warfare between Chinese secret societies. This agreement entered into by the chiefs of Perak at Pulau Pangkor. The terms of the agreement were firstly, the Raja Muda Abdullah to be recognised as the Sultan of Perak. Secondly, Raja Bendahara Ismail, who is the acting Sultan, is allowed to retain the title of Sultan Muda with a pension and a certain small territory

Fifthly, that the Governor of Larut shall have attached to him as Assistant Resident, a British Officer acting under the Resident of Perak, with similar power and subordinate only to the said Resident. Sixthly, that the cost of these Residents with their Establishments be determined by the Government of the Straits Settlement and be first charge on the Revenues of Perak. Seventhly, that a Civil list regulating the income to be received by the Sultan, by the Bendahara, by the Menteri, and by other Officers be the next charge on the said Revenue. Eightly, that the collection and control of all Revenues and the general administration of the country be regulated under the advice of these Residents. Ninthly, that the Treaty under which the Pulau Dinding and the islands of Pangkor were ceded to Great

These states were Johor, Kedah, Kelantan, Perlis and Terengganu. The British subsequently wanted to make the whole of Malaya as its colony and set clear boundaries between Siam and Malaya. An agreement was signed with Siam in 1909 where Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah and Perlis were made British patron saints. These states were named Unfederated Malay States and British Advisers were sent to assist the Sultan in administering the states properly. In 1914, Johor signed an agreement with the British to accept the British Advisory service and become the last stated to join the Unfederated Malay States. In this states, the Malay Rulers enjoyed greater autonomy despite the presence of colonial