perlis

PERLIS

BRIEF HISTORY

The State of Perlis (Negeri Perlis Indera Kayangan) has its origins during the period of Thai rule over the northern Malay states. The Thais followed a classic "divide and rule policy", no doubt in full conformity with the traditional Asian values of which we have heard so much. They divided the states into smaller units under, frequently headed by rival members of the ruling houses. Perlis, a region within Kedah, became a separate polity under the former Sultan Zia ud-din Mukarram Shah II, after he abdicated in 1803.

Sultan Zia's daughter married a Syed of Arabic descent, named Abu Bakar Harun Jamal' ul-Lail. The latter had been Penghulu, or subordinate chief, of Arau since 1797. His son and successor, Syed Husain received promotion to Raja of Perlis Indera Kayangan in 1843, after helping the Thais to suppress a revolt by the Raja of Ligor, one of the micro states into which Patani had been divided. Syed Husain's successors ruled peacefully for the rest of the century, sending the occasional tributes of gold or silver flowers to the Siamese overlord in Bangkok.

By the terms of the 1909 Anglo-Siamese Treaty, Perlis, along with three other Malay states under nominal Siamese control, also became a British Protectorate. Formal sovereignty being transferred in 1911, when Perlis became one of the unfederated Malay states.

Located near the southern Thai border, Perlis was one of the first areas to be attacked by Japanese and Thai forces in 1941. Japanese occupation resulted in the rightful Heir Apparent being set aside when the reigning Raja died in early 1943. This was followed by a return to Thai sovereignty on 20^th August 1943. The state was returned to British rule after the Japanese defeat on 8^th September 1945. Their nominee as Raja was removed nine days later.

Tuanku Syed Putra, the rightful Heir set aside by the Japanese in 1943, ascended the throne in 1945. He was to prove himself to be, not only the longest reigning Raja of Perlis, but also one of the most enlightened and progressive traditional rulers of Malaysia. His reign lasted for 55 years, during which time the state advanced and progressed beyond recognition. He also served as a very popular and highly respected King of Malaysia between a crucial period between 1960 and 1965. His death in 2000 was keenly felt far outside the borders of his small state.

STYLES & TITLES:
The ruling prince: Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Raja Syed (personal name) bin (father's title and personal name), Raja dan Yang di-Pertuan Negara Perlis Indra Kayangan, i.e. Raja and Head of the State of Perlis with the style of His Royal Highness.
The Royal consort of the Sovereign: Duli Yang Maha Mulia Tuanku Raja Perempuan Perlis, i.e. the Raja Perempuan of Perlis, with the style of Her Royal Highness.
The Heir Apparent: Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Tuanku Raja Muda Perlis Indra Kayangan, i.e. the Heir Apparent of Perlis, with the style of His Highness.
The Royal consort of the Heir Apparent: Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Tuanku Raja Puan Muda Perlis Indra Kayangan, i.e. the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, with the style of Her Highness.
The non - Royal consort of the Heir Apparent: Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Inche' Puan Muda Perlis Indra Kayangan, i.e. the Inche' Puan Muda of Perlis, with the style of Her Highness.
The Heir Presumptive: Yang Amat Mulia Tengku Bendahara Perlis Indra Kayangan.
The Regent: Duli Yang Teramat Mulia Pemangku Raja Perlis Indra Kayangan, i.e. the Prince Regent of Perlis, with the style of His Highness.
Other male members of the Royal family, descended in the male line: Syed (personal name) bin Syed (father's personal name).
Other female members of the Royal family, descended in the male line: Sharifa (personal name) binti Syed (father's personal name).
The junior wives of the ruling prince, the Heir Apparent and other princes: Yang Mulia Inche' (personal name) binti (father's title and name).

RULES OF SUCCESSION:
Male primogeniture amongst the descendants of the founder of the dynasty, Tuan Syed Abu Bakar Harun Jamal' ul-Lail. The Raja, and his successor, must be adherents of the Islamic faith.

ORDERS & DECORATIONS:

See link below.

GLOSSARY:
See under Malaysia, main page.

SOURCES:
Haji Buyong Adil, Sejarah Perlis. Siri Sejarah Nusantara, Dewan Bahasa Dan Pustaka, Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 1981.
Hussain Baba bin Mohamad, PJK, Sejarah Negeri Dan Raja2 Perlis. Journal of the Malay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society. Vol. 42, Part 2 (No. 216), Kuala Lumpur, 1969, pp. 173-196.
Daulat Tuanku, internet, 2004.

Ensiklopedia Sejarah dan Kebudayaan Melayu, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Kementerian Pendidikan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, 1995.
The Leaders of Malaya and Who's Who 1957-1958, J. Victor Morais, Kuala Lumpur, 1958.
Portal Raja Perlis Salasilah DYMM Raja Perlis.
Who's Who in Malaysia and guide to Singapore, J. Victor Morais, Kuala Lumpur, 1967-1978.
Who's Who in Malaysia and Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, 1979-1980.
Zurina Ismail, Perlis Indera Kayangan, Pelanduk Publications, Petaling Jaya, 1987.

SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Syed Muhammad Shaiful bin Syed 'Abdu'l Aziz Jamal ul-Lail.
Marini Jamlus.
Sita Asma Jazamuddin.
Sharifah Kamaliah Jamalullail.

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I would be grateful to hear from anyone who may have changes, corrections or additions to contribute. If you do, please be kind enough to send me an e-mail using the contact details at: Copyright© Christopher Buyers

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