SSF1033 INTRODUCTION TO MALAYSIAN SOCIAL HISTORY LECTURER: DR. ADIBAH BINTI YUSUF by The Visionary Side (TVS)
GROUP: THE VISIONARY SIDE (TVS) GROUP MEMBERS: (UW6313002 POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT STUDIES) 1.FEDRICK LANSAM ANAK JELI (98955) 2.GILBERT GANING ANAK PETER (99041) 3.JEFFRY KUSING ANAK BLAWAN (99262) MOHAMMAD NUR’AMIRUL HIDZAN BIN ISKANDAR (99796) 4. 5.CARLSILA BINTI EDWARD (98399) 6.NUR AISYAH BINTI AWANG OMAR (100247) 7.SUMMITHRA A/P BALAKHRISNAN (102198) 8.KAYALVILY A/P SARAVANAN (101784) 9.HAZIM HAMIZAN BIN J. LOKSIN (101726)
LU 1 What is History? LU 2 The Uses of History LU 3 Official History & The Missing Stories LU 4 Pre History of the Malay Archipelago TABLE OF CONTENTS LU 5 The Ancient of The Malay Archipelago LU 6 Economic History of Southeast Asia, Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and North Borneo
Itshall discuss both the dominant (stereotypical) and alternative interpretations of Malaysian social history and in the processilluminate how history-making occurs and what memory is preserved in society, and why This course exploresthe social, political, economic and cultural transformation of Malaysia and itsimpact upon the lives of ordinary people asit has occurred from pre-history to the present. This course hopesto explain how history and history-making affects the formation of a Malaysian social identity, the forging of a nation-state and the decisionsthat ultimately influence the on-going processes ofsocial change and development
COURSE OBJECTIVES Identify an insight from various knowledge sources to explain the impact and significance of history and the process of history-making on contemporary society. Employ their expertise to understand and explain the complexities of various social issues in Malaysia. Showcase up-to-date knowledge and technical skills in analyzing society using a historically-rooted social science perspective for lifelong learning.
LEARNING UNIT 1 What is History?
What Is history ? History is the study of change over time, and it covers all aspects of human society. Political, social, economic, scientific, technological, medical, cultural, intellectual, religious and military developments are all part of history HHiissttoorryy wwiitthhiinn tthhee ssoocciiaall sscciieenncceess Social science refers to any academic field of study or branch of research that examines human behaviour in its social and cultural contexts. The social sciences often encompass cultural (or social) anthropology, sociology, psychology, political science, and economics. In the social sciences, history is a methodological approach that serves as a background and analysis tool.
History and Evidence Historical evidence can take a variety of forms. Among the most important types of historical evidence are primary sources. Primary sources consist of original documents, artifacts, or other pieces of information that were created at the time under study Evidence that does not support a claim is useless, nomatter how copious it was previously. it is similar tomedical and crime detection in the regard
Social History Social history is a subfield of history that, as opposeto government issues, focuses on social structure anrelations between various social groupings. As an expansion of economic history, it began to takshape as a field in the 1960s. Social history is a subfield of history that, as opposeto governmental issues, focuses on social structureand interactions between various social groupings. Example: Earth and human civilization are affected bclimate change, according to environmental data. Types of evidence : Written word Oral stories Bones Artifacts Cave art Buried settlements
History & Actors History actors are almost always humans, although they can also be objects like organizations (like goverments), demographic groups (like laborers), or ideas (such as democracy). History did not just happen. Involved individuals, groups, whole societies. Events happened in specific places and at particular times. Involved men and women; old and young, healthy and sick; religious and non-religious, etc.etc. Reality: History is multi-dimensional; even cuts across space and time History as Jigsaw puzzle/mosaic: We only know bits and pieces; we are slowly putting things together Problem is: We have been fed/taught only one dominant version of history – political, state-centred history (aka Nationalism) Historical events reflects choices of powerful people and the powerless
Types of History: Dominant Nationalist History: For nation-building, often involvingpropaganda that invents our own ‘greatness’ and‘uniqueness’; good vs bad Reinforces stereotypes and dominant political narratives (e.g.UMNO and Malays; indigenous vs immigrants; Sultans asProtectors; Malacca and Islam; Malaysia Boleh Story) No link to outside history except ‘fighting against colonialism’ and‘foreign domination’ The Four types of actors are the most common ? Personality actors include actors that maintain theirindividuality from role to role, actors who defy theirpersona, chameleon performers who can play a variety ofunconnected parts, and unpaid players who provideauthenticity to narratives.
LEARNING UNIT 2 THE USES OF
THE USES OF HISTORY HISTORY The study of change overtime Wang Gungwu (1968) Desire to remember and the awarenessthat memory confers power on those who remember As useful knowledge where past experiences and examples can help improve humankind Explore the meaning of life and death - understand humanity ’ s place on earth and what’ stheir destiny
Yong Mun Cheong (2000) Help us better understang the present (belief, knowledge) Provide lesson from past (achievements, failures of past) Promotes awareness of our(ancestral heritage (appreciate ourrich cultures heritage, customs and practices) Understand how people think and feel (react in different cultures, values) Develop critical and analyticalskills (asking question and thinking about answers) Develop a sense of national identity (Who are we as a people and where do we come)
The Importance Of Perspective
1. Evidence & Perspective =Interpretation 2. Perspective Change (The purpose of Colonialism: Civilising Mission vs Exploitation) 3. Perspective depends on actor positionsin History & TheirInterests. Etc (Victory vs Loser) ROLE OF HISTORY Role of History (A)- Tell the past asitreally was; to be " neutral" arbiter of "fact" Role of History (B)-To tell a everyday story of ordinary people, events and things, economic history, history of human attitudes and history beyond national boundaries- Annales School Post World War11 i) Nation-building ii) Desire for national identity & national unity iii) Creation of identity The Importance Of Perspective
From focus on "Facts,Elites History " to "Multiples History, fragmented but inter-connected pasts Shift In History Perspective HISTORY IS NOT NEUTRAL!! IT CANNOT BE • Every individual, event,situation is embedded in class, race, & gender • Every historian is embedded in their class,race, & gender
BIAS In History • History - True/Distorted/False • History as BIAS (One-sided) Example: Example : Glass ofWater •male dominated •young vs old •powerful vs weak •winner vsloser Doing History History asfact and interpretation Evidence = Facts= Description Perspective =Interpretation HISTORY IS CONNECTED • Inter-linked & Interrelated • Historical events do not occur one place
LU3: OFFICIAL HISTORY AND MISSING HISTORY
By providing a framework for understanding, official history helps people make sense of their present circumstances and envision their future trajectory. It allows individuals to connect past events with current issues, fostering a sense of continuity and collective memory. Through the lens of official history, people can reflect on their shared heritage, values, and aspirations, contributing to a sense of unity and cohesion regardless of their background or nationality. Official history offers people a structured way to make sense of the past. It's like a narrative or story that helps everyone understand historical events, figures, and artifacts in a broader context. By presenting a clear storyline, official history aims to create a sense of national identity, pride, and continuity among all people, regardless of where they come from. OFFICIAL HISTORY
MISSING STORY The concept of “missing history” refers to the narratives and perspectives that are often left out or marginalized in mainstream historical accounts. This happens because traditional narratives tend to focus on well-known figures and events, ignoring the experiences and contributions of diverse groups and individuals. In the context of any country’s history, including Malaysia, the official narrative may highlight certain key figures, like in Malaysia’s case, Tunku Abdul Rahman during the fight for independence. However, the reality is more diverse and inclusive. The struggle for independence involved people from various ethnic, socioeconomic, and ideological backgrounds. For instance, individuals like Sybil Kathigasu, Ong Boon Hua, and Gurchan Singh represent the diversity of participants in Malaysia’s history. Sybil Kathigasu, a Eurasian woman, played a significant role as a resistance fighter during the Japanese occupation, yet her story often goes untold. Ong Boon Hua, a Chinese Malayan communist, contributed to the anticolonial struggle, but his efforts may be overlooked due to political biases. Gurchan Singh, a Sikh trade unionist, advocated for workers’ rights, shedding light on the involvement of minority communities.
LEARNING UNIT 4:PRE HISTORY OF THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO “Most archaeological traaditions are probably nationalistic in orientation” 4
ARCHEOLOGYVS PREHISTORY A systematic study of the material remains of human behavior in the past (Fagan, 1983) The portion of human history that extends back before the time of written documents and archive (Fagan, 1983) 3 D E F I N A T I O N 1 archeology 2 prehistory
Early foreign researchers are instead portrayed as people who removed important finds away from Malaysia for example niah cave find “Deep skull” and cha cave find skeletons. Antropologists avoid rigid time boundaries for each subdivision due to variations in technology across different regions and overlapping stages. for example: -Kota Tampan (c.70000 b.p) -Niah (c.40000b.p) -Perak Man (c.10000b.p) During this era, several transformative developments occured independently in different regions on farming, domestication and stone tools. for example: -Bukit Tengkorak (c.5000- 3000b.p) -Gua Kain Hitam, Niah (c.3000-2000 b.p) PREHISTORY OF MALAYSIA PALEOLITHIC NEOLITHIC 5
OUT-OF-MALAY ARCHIPELAGO This theory pertains to the origin of Asian races. According to this concept, the Asian races originated from the Malay stock. It raises questions about whether chinese and indians can alos be considered part of the Malay heritage. While this theory is not directly related to workplace accidents, it highlight the broader idea of tracing origins and understanding cultural and genetic diversity. OUT-OF-AFRICA ARCHIPELAGO According to this theory, all modern humans originated in Africa.Our species, Homo sapiens, develop in the Horn of Africa approximately 300000 to 200000 years ago.Genetic studies, fossil records, and archaeological findings all support this theory, reinforcing the idea that we are all descendants of african ancestors.
AUSTRONESIAN ERA 1. Austronesian migration The Austronesian migration permanently altered the demographics and environments of the regions they settled. Their influence can still be observed today in countries across the Indo-Pacific. Indigenous ethnics monorities in Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand, Hainan, The comoros and Torres strait islands also contribute to this cultural and linguistic group. 2 2. Austronesian languages Austronesian languages are widely spoken in Maritime southeast asia, Parts of mainland southeast asia, Madagascar, pacific islands and Taiwan. Austronesian is one of the world’s primary languages families. The family includes approximately 1257 languages, making in the secondlargest family by number of speakers. Major Austronesian languages include Malay, Javanese, Sundanese, Tagalog, Malagasy and cebuano
LEARNING UNIT 5: THE ANCIENT OF THE MALAY ARCHIPELAGO THE INFLUENCE OF INDIA
EARLY KINGDOM IN SE ASIA/MALAY ARCHIPELAGO EXAMPLE -COMMON CHARACTERISTIC OF HINDUBUDDHIST Sailendra (Borobodur temple) Mataram (Prambanan temple) Khmer (Angkor Wat)
BOROBUDUR Built : 750-850 AD under Sailendra dynasty @ peak of Srivijayan influence. Mahayama Buddhist. PRAMBANAN TEMPLE Built: 850 AD by either Rakai Pikatan (king of 2nd Mataram dynasty) or Balitung Maha Sambu (during Sanjaya dynasty). Para Brahman.
ANGKOR WAT Built: 12th century by Suryavarman II (Khmer empire). A temple complex dedicated to Vishnu.
Malay Peninsula: From pre-to potohistory By 4th century AD, coastal states in what is now Peninsula Malaysia regularly conducted intra- and extra-regional trade (forest goods and luxury item) Several kingdoms and entrepots appeared on the Malay Peninsulaand others parts of Southest Asia. The majority of these were situated of the coast on the coast . Example: Kuala Selinsing , Bujang Valley, Santubong, although there werew some inland kingdoms (e.g. Chih Tu (in Kelantan) KUALA SELINSING ARTEFACTS CHEROK TOK KUN - SANSKRIT SCRIPT
BUJANG VALLEY Hindu-Buddhist kingdom that flourished from the 4th of to the 7th century in the Bujang Valley Important trade center Status as “rice bowl” of Malysia a relatively recent phenomenon Bujang Valley rests at foot of Gunung Jerai Chinese Monk I-Tsing (I-Ching), who traveled to India in the 7th century to visit the University of Nalanda, noted Bujang Valley at Qie-zhan (sometimes spelled ChiehCha or Kie tcha Arab traders called the same place Kalah or Kalahbar
“Indian influence were selectively assimilated into pre-existing, well-developed cultural base” -Stargard 1990 cited in Smith 1999 Influence of India on Malay Culture Kinship Ceremonial Administration Language Literature Arts and architecture Beliefs Practices EXAMPLE : MANDI SAFAR Known have been celebrated by Malays in Peninsula Malaysia annually on the last Wednesday of the Muslim month of Safar. Ceremonial bathing in the river or sea. Purpose :To clean oneself of spiritual impurityand to protect oneself from misfortune. Celebrated in many places, but especially in Tanjong Keling, Melaka (Keling = people of South Indian origin. Parallels with Indian bathing festivies Sources: Paripadal- Indian poetic work, 4th-7th cent. AD. Paralles : - Journey to the river on the bullock carts - Participants include maidens and young men. -Young girls chaperoned by grey haired elderly women. - Young- men and women look forward to meet future life partners. - Merry-making, songs, dances. Historical interpretations Originated as a secular festivity to enable women to meet - to look for life partners. Might have been the result of Malay-Tamil interaction in the past. The addition of the term Safar to Mandi might have occurred after the adoption of Islam especially during the time of the Melaka Sultans to make the practice more acceptable to the Islamic society. In the same way, the added explanation of the purpose to achieve spiritual purity.
LU6: Economic History of Southeast Asia, Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and North Borneo
Emergence of Capitalism in SouthEast Asia Region Economy strated to flourish once trading became well- known through alliances as long as it is built based on mutual interest. Starting 15th Century, diplomacy became the main platform for the advancement of economic activitiies such as trading . It is also the start of capitalism in Southeast Asia as they are focusing more on profit due to being the main reason for them to start trading with other countries. Can be viewed in the context of international trade between Europe, India, Southeast Asia and China and regional sturggle to control entrepot trade and regional trade.
Trade and Its Consequences History changes with trade due to capitalism in South East Asia. Trade influences history (political, economic and social changes) through contracts, shifting alliance and conflict. Trade could lead to migration of peoples throughout the region due to slavery such as the Bugis or due to trading purposes such as the Dutch. The entry of capitalism brought by the European power such as Portugese and Dutch changed and formed the current politic, economic and cultural due to its influence since the beginning.
These labor movements defined Asian globalization by combining empire and colonization, as well as the intricate exchanges and possibilities connected with global commoditycommerce. In the 1970s and 1980s, Southeast Asia's major newly industrializing countries, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, pursued export-oriented industrialization strategiesthat included global redistribution and relocation of manufacturing production, as well as the establishment of branch plants in the region. In other words, contemporary labormigration in Southeast Asia began in the 1960s and grew in the1970s and 1980s. Following the 1970s oil shocks, the oil-rich Gulf nations embarked on huge building and development projects, attracting a large number of migrant laborers fromSouth and Southeast Asia. CONCEPT 1 : The Movement Capital, Labour, and Migration Into SouthEast Asia.
Malacca was captured by the Portuguese in 1511, ushering in Malaya's Colonial Age. Malaya fell into Dutch hands in 1641, andMalay was later taken over by the British in 1824 via the AngloDutch Treaty. However, the entrance of the Portuguese altered considerably more diverse patterns of communal life in the Malay region of Malacca at the time in terms of business, social, and cultural aspects than other nations, such as the Dutch. The Portuguese came in Malacca in 1509, drawn by its beautiful natural harbour. Two years later, the Portuguese returned in force with a fleet headed by Afonso de Albuquerque (1453- 1515). CONCEPT 2 : Colonialism in Malaysia