Different powers, different methods
The Western powers did not all take control in the same way. Their strategies differed. The Portuguese relied mostly on military force: they simply attacked and seized Melaka in 1511. The Dutch were more interested in a trade monopoly — controlling the buying and selling of spices — than in ruling large areas of land.
Key idea
Portuguese = force. Dutch = trade monopoly. British = treaties and diplomacy, then indirect rule through Malay rulers using a Resident or Adviser.
The British way
The British preferred treaties and diplomacy. Rather than fight long wars, they made agreements with Malay rulers and slowly increased their influence. Their key tool was the Resident system, introduced by the Pangkor Treaty of 1874. A Resident was a British officer placed beside the Sultan. The Sultan had to accept the Resident's advice on all matters except Malay religion and custom. Because the state was still ruled through its own Sultan, this is called indirect rule. Perak was the first state to receive a Resident.
Two kinds of states
In the Straits Settlements (Penang, Melaka, Singapore) the British ruled directly as a colony. In the Unfederated Malay States they placed a British Adviser instead of a Resident, giving those states a little more freedom. These different strategies let the British spread their power widely without constant war.
Remember
- Portuguese used force; Dutch wanted a trade monopoly.
- British used treaties and the Resident system (Pangkor Treaty 1874).
- A Resident's advice had to be followed except on religion and custom.
- Perak was the first state with a Resident.