Pantan Perak Negeri-Negeri Selat

Overview

• Focus on three regions: Pulau Pinang, Melaka, Singapore.
• Combined, they are referred to as Negeri-Negeri Selat.

British Expansion in Pulau Pinang

• Strategic Importance: Fulfilled British needs.
  • Three Key Reasons:
    1. Collection Centre: Goods from China (tea, silk, ceramics).
    2. Port: Repair ships, food/water supply, monsoon protection.
    3. Military Depot: Protect India from French forces.
• Challenges:
  • Linked to Kedah, three main problems:
    1. Succession dispute.
    2. Siam Threat: Stopped sending gold tribute during the Siam-Burma war.
    3. Francis Light's deceit.

Importance of Seberang Perai

• Reasons for British Interest:
  1. Defense post.
  2. Agricultural area for food supply.
• Agreement with Sultan of Kedah for British settlement.

Expansion to Singapore

• Strategic Port: Needed more than Pulau Pinang.
• Economic Hub: Collect Malay goods like tin and gold.
• Johor Issues:
  • Succession dispute: Sultan Abdul Rahman vs. Sultan Hussein.
  • Stamford Raffles' manipulation.

British Control over Singapore

• Key Agreements:
  • 6th February: Agreement with Sultan Hussein and Temenggong Abdul Rahman.
  • 2nd August: Singapore handed over to British.

Melaka and Napoleonic Wars

• Dutch Exchange: British obtained Melaka in exchange for Bangkaulu.
• London Treaty: Finalized exchange of territories between the British and Dutch.

Formation of Negeri-Negeri Selat

• Combination of Pulau Pinang, Melaka, Singapore: For administrative efficiency.
• Benefits:
  • Cost savings.
  • Uniform administration.
• Strategic Control: Total control over the Straits of Malacca.

Administration

• Initially under British India, later shifted to London.
• Governance Structure:
  • Governor General of British India.
  • Local Resident Consulars for each region.

Relationship with Malay States

• Economic Interdependence:
  • Malay states provided economic resources.
  • Negeri-Negeri Selat offered ports for trade.
• Economic Cooperation: Enhanced trade routes and opportunities.

Administrative Changes

• Shift of administration to London due to inefficiencies in India.
• Factors for Change:
  • Lack of representation in Indian council.
  • Failure to curb piracy and local disputes.
  • Currency issues: Proposal to switch to rupee.
• New Structure:
  • Executive and Legislative Councils formed for governance.

Conclusion

The lecture provided a comprehensive overview of the strategic importance and historical evolution of Pulau Pinang, Singapore, and Melaka under British rule, highlighting key agreements, administration changes, and their economic significance in the region.