Perkembangan Sistem Perdagangan Merkantilisme Negeri-Negeri Melayu Bersekutu (1909-1913) (The Development of Mercantilism Trade System In Federated Malay States (1909-1913))

Abstract

This article discusses the development of mercantilism trading system in the Federated Malay States since 1909 to 1913. Administrative control over financial and export economy by the British since the establishment of the Federal Council in 1909 is in fact contrary to the British practice of free trade in the 19th century. By controlling Federal Council, British has succeeded to collect surplus balance to credit until 1913. The period between 1909 to 1913 show that before the World War I, Federated Malay States possess a higher surplus balance to credit. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the formation of a trading system in the Federated Malay States by the British since the establishment of the Federal Council until the outbreak of World War I. The study found that the most important elements that effect mercantilism trading system in the Federated Malay States is the intervention of the Chief Secretary through the provisions of the law by the Federal Council. Chief Secretary has the authority to regulate the financial system, tax sytem and the export economy which is the main sources of the Federated Malay States Government’s revenue. This study used historical method which based on trade records dan Federated Malay States Government’s administration records.