I SALUTE the Sultan of Johor Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar for proudly and rightfully acknowledging recently the significant role played by the Chinese in the economic development of Johor and asserting that they are Malaysians and not âpendatangâ.
I would like to clarify the pioneering role of the Chinese in opening up Johorâs jungles to cultivate pepper and gambier which were the mainstay of the stateâs economy until the end of the first decade of the 20th century.
The establishment of pepper and gambier plantations by the Chinese in Johor actually gained momentum beginning from the mid-1840s. These pioneer Chinese planters had mainly shifted from Singapore due to the shortage of land for planting these commercial crops.
Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim apparently granted the first permit (surat sungai) in 1844 to a Chinese entrepreneur to clear land along the Skudai river for cultivating pepper and gambier. Between the end of 1844 and mid-1845, about 52 new plantations were established in the state by the Chinese from Singapore with a workforce of about 500.
Daeng Ibrahim cleverly introduced the âkangcuâ system of cultivation whereby a Chinese headman, called the kangcu (âlord of the riverâ) was given control of rivers where pepper and gambier were cultivated along their banks.
In the words of B.W. Andaya and L.Y. Andaya (two renowned historians), the kangcu system was âthe best example of Malay co-operation with Chinese investors and labourersâ.
Both Daeng Ibrahim and his son, Sultan Abu Bakar were enterprising and visionary rulers who wanted to open up Johorâs jungles to commercial agriculture and develop its economy.
As aptly stated by Lim Pui Huen, both of them âshowed much vision and shrewdness of judgment in harnessing the energy and entrepreneurship of the Chinese for the benefit of Johor. They devised ways of indirectly controlling the Chinese in a manner that fitted in with Chinese social practices while precluding potential sources of conflictâ.
By the early 1860s, there were about 1,200 pepper and gambier plantations in Johor with about 15,000 Chinese labourers. As stated by James C. Jackson, Johor became the largest gambier producer in the world during the 1880s, and not between the 1830s and 1850s.
Due to the close and harmonious relationship between the Johor rulers and the Chinese community, Tan Hiok Nee was appointed âMajor China of Johorâ in 1870, the highest ranking Chinese official.
Subsequently, in 1874 he and Seah Tee Heng were appointed members of Sultan Abu Bakarâs 24-member state council.
To conclude, we must acknowledge and be proud of the roles played by all ethnic communities in shaping our present-day society and nation.
Such a step helps to foster a sense of belonging and pride as Malaysians among our young which is vital for our nationâs continued success and wellbeing. Towards this end, the Johor Sultan has set an excellent example for others to emulate.
Ranjit Singh Malhi
Seremban
