1.2 Other Malay Kingdoms

Presentation

Besides Malacca, there were several other significant Malay kingdoms that existed at the same period with Malacca and in the centuries that followed. Although they were not as great as Malacca kingdom, we should not forget their contributions towards the development of the region. Among the kingdoms were Kedah, Perak, Pahang, Negri Sembilan, Terengganu, Kelantan, Johore and Selangor.

1.2 Other Malay Kingdoms

Those kingdoms practised a hierarchical ruling system, the same system practiced by Malacca kingdom. Sultans (rulers) were sovereign and possessed the highest position with absolute administrative power.

They were assisted by some officials such as Bendahara (Prime Minister), Penghulu Bendahari (Minister of Finance), Temenggung (Chief Police Officer), Syahbandar (Port Administrator) and Laksamana (Chief Navy).

The system adopted by Perak, Pahang and Kedah. Negri Sembilan, however, named the ruler with Yam Dipertuan Negri. After the Malacca's downfall, Johore emerged as the most important kingdom in the region.