Handbook of the federated Malay states - Sabrizain.org

Federated Malay States. 7
workman. His efforts are usually limited to rather desultory
cultivation, to the collection of forest produce, and to fishing
and hoating, in which he is most expert. He is always
a sportsman, and will work harder and with more relish with
that ohject in view than for the sake of enriching himself.
Of the immigrant races in the States, the Chinese take the
first place. They practically monopolise the whole of the
tin-mining industry, they are found engaged in every conceivable
trade and business, and are the mainstay of the
commerce of the country. They far outnumber any other
race in the States.
Tamils from Southern India are also present in considerable
numbers. A certain proportion of them are engaged in
trade, but the large majority work as outdoor labourers on
estates, roads, and railways.
Other races represented in the States are Europeans,
Bengalis, Singhalese, Javanese, Sikhs, and Pathans, and
Malays from the various islands of the Eastern Archipelago.
To those concerned with the advantages now offered, and mstory.
with the conditions of life now obtaining in the Federated
Malay States, the past history of the country is but of little
account, and the merest outline of the events of former days
will suffice for the purposes of this pamphlet.
It is now some twenty-five years since internal dissensions
among the Malays of Perak and Selangor compelled the
Sultans of those States to seek the assistance of the British
Glovernment in the neighbouring colony of the Straits
Settlements in putting an end to increasing faction fights,
and in inaugurating a system of efficient administration.
The appeal of these chiefs was responded to by the appointment
of a British Resident in Perak and Selangor respectively,
with instruction to advise the Sultan in the government
of his State, and to organise an efficient system of
revenue collection, with the assistance of a small staff of
European and Eurasian officers, the Resident himself being
subject to the authority of the Grovernor of the Straits
Settlements.
When initial difficulties had once been overcome, the new
system resulted in unusual success. The States became
peaceful, justice was everywhere obtainable at the hands
of European Magistrates, the revenue, at first very small,
rapidly increased, and countries which were but recently
notorious for robbery on land and piracy at sea, became
gradually known throughout the East as available centres
for the development of profitable trade.