MALAYSIA MALACCA-THE HISTORY

Long before the emergence of any other state in Malaysia, Melaka rose to glory from its humble beginning around the 14^th century. It has become one of the leading spice capitals in the world, attracting traders from India, China, Europe and Middle East. Its status as an international port was beyond the shadow of doubt with its strategic location guarding the vital waterway “The Straits of Melaka” where the trade winds meet. Even up to today, the Straits of Melaka is still one of the most important and busiest waterways in the world.

It all started sprawling back to 751 years ago (1262) when Parameswara found Melaka in the 14^th century. He was resting under a tree by a river when his dog started to attack a mouse deer, which later pushed the dog into the river. The brave gesture of the mouse deer had impressed him to immediately build a city on its spot. He then asked his followers the name of the tree which he was resting under and was advised of its name; Melaka. He named the state “Melaka” since then. None of any other cities in the nation had played such an influential and vital role in the political, economic, cultural and social development of the country and the region. Melaka Sultanate was also established to be responsible for the Sultanate in many states in Malaysia.

During that period, Islam was introduced in the region, arriving along with Gujarat traders from western India for trading textiles and Melaka became known worldwide as a center for silk and porcelain trading. During the first decade of the 16^th century, Melaka was a bustling and cosmopolitan port that attracted hundreds of ships every year. To keep its tradition at foe, Melaka’s Sultan enlisted the help of the Chinese, mainly the voyages of Admiral Cheng Ho between 1440 1433.Melaka prospered and not long later. The Ming Emperor bequeathed a Chinese princess, Hang Li Poh to Sultan Muzaffar Shah. This is the first multiracial union ever recorder in history.

Unfortunately, this fame did not last long as it arrived when European began to extend its power into the East and Melaka was one of the very first cities which attracted them. The arrival of the Portuguese in the 15^th century under the command of Alfonso de Albuquerque in taking over the city under a successful bombardment was a triumphant victory when Sultan Mahmud then fled himself to Johor. They counter attacked the Portuguese, but without success for Portuguese defense through the massive fortification of A ‘ Famosa Porta De Santiago was too strong .

A Famosa ensured the Portuguese ruling the next 150 years until Melaka fail to the Dutch after a battle of 8 months long, leaving the state almost completely ruined. The Dutch rebuilt the city over the next century and a half complimenting fine buildings and churches which stand tall significantly up to today as a solid reminder of the European presence back in 1440. Not long after 1795 when the Netherlands was captured by French Revolutionary armies, Melaka was handed over to the British by the Dutch to prevent it from being captured by the French.

In 1942, Melaka experienced Japanese occupation until 1945 when they surrendered in Singapore. The British declared a state of “Emergency “in Malaya which lasted for 12 years against the Communist Terrorists who ruled the state of 14 days.

Malaysia gained its Independence on the 31^st August 1957, when the first Prime Minister, His Highness Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Alhaj, was handed over the power to rule the country by the British.

After the independence, a colonial building built by British in Melaka, which was known as Malacca Club, was opened to public after being used by British upper class as their place for social activities. 

Exactly 38 years later, the same building was turned into The Proclamation of Independence Memorial; a place that commemorates independence Day of Malaysia.

Melaka was proclaimed as a historical city on the 15 April 1989. Today, they are celebrating 750 years in history.