Chapter 1 : Early History

Comprehension Exercise.
1. The Malays in Peninsula Malaya are more accurately the descendants of
the
B. Deutro Malays. (pg 3 under subtopic of Early Inhabitants, line 3 from
bottom)

2. What were the factors that contributed to the supremacy of the Malay
Kingdom of Malacca?
I
- Its geographical position between trade centres. (pg 6 under
subtopic of Early Kingdom of Malacca, line 5; pg 6- under subtopic of The
Golden Age of Malacca, para. 3)
II
- Its fair and wise leaders. (pg 6- under subtopic of The Golden Age of
Malacca, para. 2, para. 4)
III
- Its ties with strong power such as China and Siam. (pg 6- under
subtopic of The Golden Age of Malacca)
IV
- It being the centre of Islam and Malay culture (pg 6- under subtopic of
The Golden Age of Malacca, para. 1; pg - under subtopic of The Golden Age
of Malacca, para. 3)
A. All of the above.

3. What primary factor/factors contributed to western colonialism in

Malaysia?
B. Economic and religious factors. (pg 9 under subtopic of Colonial Era,
line 4 onwards)

4. The Malay world was divided into two parts, currently known as Malaysia
and Indonesia. If it were not for this treaty, these two countries could
possibly have remained as one. What is the treaty referred to this statement?

C. Anglo Dutch Treaty (pg 11 under subtopic of Anglo-Dutch Treaty,

para. 2 onwards)

5. At the beginning, the British agreed to assist Kedah in its war against
Siam, on condition that Kedah handed over __________ to the British.
However, the British did not keep their promise.
A. Penang Island (pg 11 under subtopic of The Acquisition of Penang
Island and Spore, line 6