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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 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, in actual fact, has
been in existence since the prehistoric age. Kota Tampan in Lenggong
is the one and only proof that the Palaeolithic 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 with the findings of relevant ancient artifacts. Then came the Hindu/Buddha
era. It
was thought to have occured 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 apply
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. Historically Perak's 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. Due to 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 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, because it deviated
from its original cause, compled with the natives' refused to be
colonized led to an uprising against the Resident under the
leadership of 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 colonized 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
utmost 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.
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