Abu Bakar and the Singapore authority: The colonial trajectory of economic dependency

A Rahman Tang Abdullah (2010) Abu Bakar and the Singapore authority: The colonial trajectory of economic dependency. Sarjana, 25 (1). pp. 68-84. ISSN 1823-7746

	Text ABSTRACT.pdf Download (37kB)
	Text FULL TEXT.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (14MB)

Abstract

This article discusses the importance of Johor's economic dependence on the British in Singapore as a means of preserving the internal independence of Johor during the reign of Abu Bakar. It re-examines the general consensus among historians who credit Abu Bakar's distinctive reputation as the main reason for his ability to resist British intrusion into Johor despite the state's proximity to Singapore the seat of power of British imperialism in Southeast Asia. This general consensus is subjected to further examination as it suggests that relations between Johor and the British in Singapore were extensively preoccupied by political rather than economic issues. In reality, economic imperialism actually preceded political imperialism or colonial expansion. It is evident that the British authority as a whole was more concerned with the economic aspects as the main criteria in formulating their policy towards the Malay states. Hence, it is argued here that Johor was allowed to retain its internal independence as long as it became an economic dependency of the British in Singapore.

Item Type:	Article
Keyword:	Abu Bakar, Colonial trajectory, Economic dependency, Johor, Singapore
Subjects:	D World History and History Of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Etc. > DS Asia > DS1-937 History of Asia > DS520-560.72 Southeast Asia > DS591-599 Malaysia. Malay Peninsula. Straits Settlements D World History and History Of Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Etc. > DS Asia > DS1-937 History of Asia > DS520-560.72 Southeast Asia > DS608-610.9 Singapore H Social Sciences > HC Economic history and conditions > HC10-1085 Economic history and conditions
Department:	FACULTY > Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities
Depositing User:	SITI AZIZAH BINTI IDRIS -
Date Deposited:	16 Jul 2024 15:50
Last Modified:	16 Jul 2024 15:50
URI:	https://eprints.ums.edu.my/id/eprint/39193

Actions (login required)

View Item