This question is on the general reasons for British colonisation in the Malay States.

2. Explain why the British intervened in Perak in 1874. [8]

British intervened in Perak due to political anarchy in Perak. There were numerous succession
quarrels due to the weakness of the succession system whereby there was no fixed system from
father to son. Malay chiefs could advance candidates for personal interest. After the death of Sultan
Ali in 1871, there were 3 contenders to the throne. Ismail was given the title as Abdullah was
bypassed on the excuse that he was not present at the funeral of the Sultan, a Malay custom for
candidates to attend to receive recognition and regalia from Malay chiefs. Ismail operated in Upper
Perak and Abdullah refused to hand over customs of Lower Perak to Ismail and declared
friendship with the Ghee Hins, causing the Secret Societies to be embroiled in the dispute. Other
Malay Chiefs began to take sides and the situation was chaotic in 1873.

British intervened in Perak due to economic instability in Perak. When rich-tin deposits were
discovered in 1848, many Chinese miners were recruited by Secret Societies to work in tin
mines for salary. There was no proper land survey to demarcate the various tin mines and miners
fought for control of the mines. The fiercest rivalry occurred between the Ghee Hin and Hai Sans
in Larut from 1861-1873 with open clashes overflowing to Straits Settlements disrupting trade.
Abdullah wrote a letter to Clarke for assistance in administering the state for economic profit
through stability. In 1873, further economic instability such as piracy affected British economic
revenue due to disrupted trade and mining. Straits merchants also wanted the British to
intervene to restore law and order, giving Clarke the pretext to act from Abdullah’s letter to justify
intervention. Hence the British intervened in Perak due to political anarchy and economic instability.