OVERVIEW

Rich in historical background, the course of Malaysian history has been determined by its strategic position, its tropical climate, the surrounding environment and the regime of the north-east and south-west monsoons.

In the north, Kedah is reputed to be the most ancient State in the country. Archaeological findings at Bujang Valley furnish evidence of a Hindu-Buddhist civilisation that dates back to 300 AD. It flourished as an important centre of trade and commerce until the 13th century and it waned in importance.

Down south, at around 1400 AD, Melaka, an important State located on the maritime route - the Straits of Malacca, was establishing itself as a trading centre. Abundant in clove, nutmeg and pepper, Malacca attracted colonial powers who coveted the monopoly of the spice trade, and gave the name 'Fabled Spice Islands of the East'.

The strategic importance of the State brought the Portuguese in 1509. Then came the Dutch, who attacked and defeated the Portuguese in 1641. The Dutch ruled for 154 years, followed by the British. The British, who already had Penang and Singapore, penetrated inland. By the 1920's, all the Malay States on the peninsular came under British protection.

Malay nationalism and desire for self-rule was felt around the 1930's. A call for independence was made, but the Second World War stopped it. Later, the movement resumed and independence was declared on the 31st of August, in 1957. In 1963, Malaysia was formed, bringing together the states of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak. Singapore, however,left the federation in 1965.