Changes in government
When the British colonised Tanah Melayu, they changed how the country was run. They brought the Residential System, where a British officer called a Resident advised the Sultan on everything except religion and Malay customs. In 1896 four states joined to form the Federated Malay States, with one central government.
Changes in society and the economy
The British wanted more workers for tin mines and rubber estates. Many people came from China and India to work. This created a plural society (masyarakat majmuk) — many races living side by side. New towns, roads and railways were built to move tin and rubber to the ports.
Key idea
Colonisation changed both the government (Residents, Federation) and society (new economy, new towns, a multiracial population).
Remember
- Resident = British adviser to the Sultan.
- Immigrants worked in tin mines and rubber estates.
- Roads and railways helped export tin and rubber.