Malaysia’s History

1. Malaysia’s History

2. Introduction Malaysia has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. It was a busy seaport for European and Far East traders for many hundreds of years.

3. Malaya (Malacca 1400 - 1511) • Malacca was founded in the 13th century by a Sumatran prince. It became the most influential port city in Southeast Asia during this time. • The early Arab traders brought Islam to Malacca. The local chiefs became the “sultans” heading up a highly organized administration structure whose main purpose was to facilitate trade. Success brought prosperity, wealth and power to Malacca.

4. Colonial Malaya (1511 - 1957) • In 1511, a Portuguese fleet led by Alfonso de Albuquerque sailed into Malacca harbour and captured the city with canon fire. • A century later in 1641, the Dutch captured the city from the Portuguese and controlled the spice trade. In 1819 British administration replaced the Dutch and established a trading post in Singapore. Together with Penang and Malacca these centres became known as the Straits Settlements. • The British administration in Malaya lasted 138 years until independence in 1957.

5. Independence in 1957 • The British granted independence to Malaya in 1957 in Kuala Lumpur's Merdeka Square. • Tunku Abdul Rahman became the first prime minister of Malaya. It has a secular and democratic government.

6. Present Day • Malaysia has undergone tremendous growth and prosperity since 1957. • Today, Malaysia has one of the best airports, highways and telecommunication systems in Asia. The literacy rate is above 90% and poverty level is negligible. • With a highly educated workforce and modern infrastructure, it attracts large foreign investment in the manufacturing and technology sections.