Perak

Perak

Map of Perak Flag of Perak

There are several versions as to the origin of Perak. Some say that the name 'Perak' came from Bendahara Tun Perak of Malacca while some say that it came from the "glimmer of fish in the water" that sparkled like silver or the rich mineral resource Perak has which is 'tin' or perak as it is known in Malay. Therefore, the mere mention of the State's name will reflect the treasures hidden in its earth.

The Perak State, has been in existence since prehistoric age. Kota Tampan in Lenggong is a proof that the Paleolithic Age existed in Malaya. The Perak State went through numerous evolutions between 400 000 BC and 8000 BC.

The State had experienced the Hoabinhian Era and the Neolithic Age as well as the Metal Age, which was proven by the findings of relevant ancient artifacts. Then came the Hindu/Buddha era. It was thought to have occurred simultaneously with the rest of Malaya.

After this period, the history of the State advanced a step further with the formation of minor territories such as Manjung in the Dinding District and Beruas, which came into existence after Manjung ceased to exist. This also applies to a few other territories in the Perak Tengah and Hulu Perak. It was also then that Islam began to plant its roots firmly in the State.

Perak's documented history actually began with the installation of Sultan Muzaffar Shah 1, who was a descendent of Sultan Mahmud Shah of Malacca, in the year 1528. Although the Perak Sultanate had formed, the territorial powers were still in effect. The administrative method was an extension of the democratic feudal system of Malacca.

Perak became more prominent with the discovery of tin in Larut, Taiping in 1848 by Long Jaafar. With this discovery, Perak's economy boomed and more mining areas were brought into existence. In addition to tin ore, natural rubber also played an important role and is still being planted after the reign of 33 or 34 consecutive Sultans.

This significant implication of economic development resulted in the birth of a multiracial society especially with the introduction of the Chinese into the mining area.

The British who had long been interested in Perak, intervened through the Pangkor Treaty in 1874 after a riot in Larut. As a result of this intervention, the Residential system was introduced with James W.W Birch as its first Resident.

Initially, the Residential system was supposed to yield positive results. However, it soon deviated from its original cause, and combined with the local people's refusal to be colonised, an uprising against the Resident took place under the leadership of local leader, Datuk Maharaja Lela. As a result, J.W.W Birch was assassinated in 1875.

The Residential system continued until the arrival of the Japanese to Malaya in 1941. The Perak State also suffered, as did others, during the Japanese occupation of Malaya until the year 1945.

Even after the Japanese surrendered, the British still colonised Malaya until the year 1948. Violence was rampant then in Perak, due to Communist terrorism. After the Japanese occupation in Malaya, the Malay States were not stable. The British did their best to maintain their position by introducing new administration systems such as the Malayan Union in 1946, despite the people's nationalistic spirit to seek independence.

The people of Malaya combined their efforts with all State dignitaries to fully rebel against all British systems. They continuously oppressed until the British granted Malaya independence in 1957.

The independence of Malaya meant the freedom for all its Federated States, which Perak was a part of. Rapid development in all fields continued until today, after the reign of 34 consecutive Sultans.

Capital: Ipoh

Government: state of the Federation of Malaya (1948), Malaysia (1963)

Area: 21.006 km²

Population: 2.030.382 (2000)

Currency: Malaya Dollar (100 cent)

Links

Perak in Wikipedia.

Flag of Perak in Flags of the World.

Stamp catalogue

UPU 75th anniversary

date: 10 October 1949

designer: -