Statecraft in the 18th and 19th century Malay society with reference to Perak Sultanate and its two legal texts

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to redefine the framework for the study of Malay statecraft. Instead of confining it to the specific statecraft literature such as Tāj al-Salaṭin, Bustan al-Salaṭin, and Thammarat al-Muhimmah, this study aims to explore further and expand the proposed idea by several scholars such as Norazit Selat, Mohd Taib Osman, Liaw Yock Fang, and Jelani Harun to include Malay legal texts as one of the sources of information regarding Malay statecraft. Besides that, this study also would like to expand further Wan Ahmad Fauzi Wan Husain’s idea on the eligibility of Malay legal texts as a form of constitution for the Malay states before the intervention of the British colonial power in these states. Hence, one of the oldest Malay sultanates, and the first one to receive direct British intervention was the Perak Sultanate. Its two legal texts, Undang-undang Sembilan Puluh Sembilan and Undang-undang Pahang, Perak, dan Johor were selected for this study. Through historical analysis of the content of both legal texts and supported by other relevant primary documents on the Perak Sultanate and its history, this study aims to analyse and conceptualised the idea and practised of statecraft in this state, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries before the coming of British into the state. In this study, statecraft was defined as 1) the idea and concept of justice, and 2) ruler’s sovereignty and legitimacy as understood by the Malay society, 3) the ideal characteristics and responsibilities of the ruler and state officials, 4) the advice to the ruler and state officials regarding their responsibilities to uphold justice and preserving the well-being of the people, and 5) the interdependence relationship between the ruler, state officials, and the people. It was proven that both legal texts fulfilled the definition and characteristics of the constitution and, able to provide the conceptual framework underlying the idea and practised of statecraft in the Perak Sultanate. This study is also significant in terms of providing evidence that Malay traditional literature should not be seen and studied as mere literature, but it should be regarded as a testament to the capability of the Malay scholars in discussing complex issues. As argued by Zainal Kling, this information and knowledge should be explored and studied further to ensure its relevancy in the current era.