History of Malaysia Explained

The most important factor in Malaysia's history has been it's geographical location. The Malay Penisula separates the Indian Ocean from the South China Sea. In ancient times, the penisula was a convenient landing point for Indian and Chinese traders. The north east monsoon (wind & rain) which last from December to March, brought sailing ships from India to the Malay Penisula. They then waited for the southwest monsoon, which last from June to October, to continue their voyages to China.

Merchants and adventurers from many nations were attracted to the rich trading centres. The Indians had a lasting influence on the art and culture while the Arabs introduced Islam, Malaysia's national religion. The Portuguese and the Dutch introduced European economic ideas and methods while the British laid the foundation of it's political structure.


Early History
There's not much recorded of the prehistoric advancement, but local archaeologist did discover metal objects in the region of Klang and Selangor jungles. Historians believed that the eearliset organized political states first emerged in the north. Traders from many land were sent to Langkasuka, Kedah. By about A.D 900 most of the states came under the rule of the Srivijayan Empire based in Palembang, Indonesia.
  A Chola raid from India crippled the empire in 1025. From then came the prominence of Melaka or Melacca better known by foreigners at about 1300. As it became a trading hub, and it's rise coincided with rapid spread of Islam to the penisula. Melaka's royal family claimed descent from Alexander the Great. All subsequent Malay rulers made the same claim.
   Malay society inherited from Melaka distinct tradition. Only the royal lineage had the right to rule. Melaka drew traders from all over Asia and later on Portugal. It acted as an important port for traders to and fro from China & India via the straits of Melaka. The sultanate of Melaka lasted for almost a hundred years before the Portuguese conquered it in 1511.

The Rise of Johor
| British Reign in Malaysia | Colonial Rule in Malaysia | World War II in Malaysia| Important Historical Dates |