Pasir Salak is an important place in Malaysia's history as it was
the birthplace of modern Malaysia.
It was the place where the first British Resident J.R.R. Birch in
1875 was was killed and where modern Malaysia history begin.
Birch was murdered because he was said to have been disrespectful
of the Malay rulers, and have enacted laws that were loop-sided and smacked of
double standards. One of those who plotted to liquidate him was Dato
Maharajalela who was extremely displeased with Birch for abolishing slavery in
Perak, when at the same time Birch kept slaves within his own household. Dato
Maharajalela derived much of his income from raiding Orang Asli villages for
slaves, and the abolishing of slavery dealt him a severe blow.
The events leading to the placement of a British resident in Perak
was the Pangkor Treaty of 1874, which was the result of the Larut Wars between
the Hai San and Ghee Hin secret societies, which were themselves aligned to
different factions of the Perak nobility.
The rebellion of 1875 in Pasir Salak sowed the seeds of
nationalism, which manifested itself in the form of opposition to colonialism,
to the formation of Malayan Union, and ignited the flame of independence.
Today, Pasir Salak is made a historical complex. The brainchild of
Perak Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Ramli Ngah Talib, the Pasir Salak Historical
Complex was officially open by Raja Nazrin Shah ibni Sultan Azlan Shah on 26
May 1990. The purpose of the historical complex is to remind the younger
generation of the events in Pasir Salak and the fight against colonialism in
Perak, and also to remember the struggle and the sacrifice of the warriors to
uphold the dignity of the race and country.
The Pasir Salak historical complex affords a panoramic view of the
Perak River. There are two monuments, one erected by the British for Birch,
near the site of the assasination. Another was for those convicted of the
crime, Dato' Maharajalela and his followers Dato' Sagor, Pandak Indut, Kulup
Ali, Ngah Jabor and Panjang Bur. There is a time tunnel complex where visitors
are taken through a diorama showcasing Malay civilization from the very
beginning, traced to Kuala Selinsing, Perak, which existed between 200BC and
1000AD. In addition, Pasir Salak also showcases traditional Malay houses.
The murder trial was held at Kota Ngah Ibrahim in Matang. I
visited that place on a separate trip. Read also the Taiping to learn how the
clan warfare between the Hai San and Ghee Hin secret societies led to British
intervention in Perak, and resulted in the installation of a British Resident
there.
* Credit to Timothy Tye
* Credit to Malaysia Travellers
