The Pangkor Treaty, also known as the Treaty of Pangkor, was a pivotal agreement signed on January 20, 1874, between the British colonial government, and the Malay rulers of Perak in present-day Malaysia.
The treaty was signed on the colonial steamship Pluto, off the west coast of the Malay Peninsula close to Pangkor island, hence the name. Its main purpose was to establish British influence and control over the state of Perak. The treaty effectively marked the beginning of British colonial intervention in the Malay states.
Key provisions of the Pangkor Treaty included:
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Appointment of a British Resident: The treaty stipulated that a British Resident would be appointed to advise the Sultan of Perak on matters of governance and administration. The Resident would have the power to intervene in state affairs and ensure the implementation of British policies.
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Control over state revenues: The treaty granted the British Resident control over the collection and management of state revenues. This measure aimed to curb corruption and ensure the proper administration of finances.
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Non-interference in internal affairs: The Malay rulers agreed not to engage in any agreements or cede territories to foreign powers without British consent. This clause solidified British control over external relations in Perak.
The Pangkor Treaty was significant because it established a framework for British colonial intervention and indirect rule in the Malay states. It served as a model for subsequent treaties signed with other states, leading to the formation of the Federated Malay States (FMS) in 1895, which included Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang.
The treaty marked a shift in power dynamics within the Malay states, with the British exerting greater influence over local governance and administration. It laid the foundation for British economic exploitation, particularly in the tin mining industry, and the development of infrastructure and modernization projects in the region.