The origins of a colonial land policy: the development of Perak Land Legislation, 1874-97

Abstract

On 20 January 1874, the Perak Malay chiefs signed the Pangkor Engagement with Britain and surrendered effective sovereignity of their negeri over to the British. This landmark in Perak and Malaysian history has left an indelible impression on the political, economic and social landscape of Perak. Although bits and pieces of the mosaic of Perak history during British rule have been supplied variously and diversely by scholars and administrators, many processes of the massive change which followed in the wake of British rule still await study. The subject of land is among the most neglected. This paper is a historical narrative of the indigenous land tenure system in Perak and the development of British land legislation which replaced it. There will be examination of important aspects of colonial land policy and the general effects of policy will also be discussed.