Lecture on the Pangkor Treaty of 1874

Introduction

• Third-party intervention: Sometimes a third party resolves disputes but also benefits from them.
• Focus of the lesson: Examination of the Pangkor Treaty of 1874 and British involvement in Perak's administration.

Background

• Perak's wealth: Rich in tin resources.
• Unrest in Perak: Disrupted administration and tin mining operations.
• Larut Wars (1861-1874): Caused instability in Perak.

Key Contributors to the Larut Wars

1. Dispute Over Sultanate Succession

   • Death of Sultan Ali, then Sultan of Perak.
   • Conflict between Raja Ismail and Raja Abdullah over rightful succession.
   • Raja Abdullah opposed Raja Ismail's appointment as Sultan.

2. Chinese Secret Societies' Clashes

   • Ghee Hin and Hai San societies caused significant instability.

British Involvement

• Raja Abdullah's request: Sought British help to end the unrest.
• British motivation: Opportunity to control lucrative tin mining industry.

Pangkor Treaty Negotiations and Conditions

• Negotiation outcome: British devised the Pangkor Treaty.
• Treaty signing date: 20 January 1874.
• Conditions of the Treaty:
  1. Sultan Abdullah recognized as rightful Sultan, Raja Ismail as Raja Muda.
  2. Appointment of a British Resident to collect taxes.
     • First Resident: Sir James W.W. Birch.
  3. Tax revenues:
     • Used to pay salaries of the Sultan, administrative members, the Resident, and his assistant.
  4. Ngah Ibrahim's role: Appointed Minister in Larut, tasked with restoring peace.

Consequences

• British involvement in Malay states:
  • Led to British control in states like Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, and Pahang.
• Formation of Federated Malay States:
  • Perak, along with other states, became known as the Federated Malay States.