Reaksi Orang Melayu Terhadap Pelaksanaan Dasar Tanah Padi Kolonial di Kedah, 1917-1932 (Malay Reaction Towards The Implementation of The Colonial Rice Land Policies In Kedah, 1917-1932)

Abstract

Rice-planting is synonymous with the Kedah Malays to present times. Paddy is the lifeblood of the majority of Malays in the state for ages. Interestingly, British control over Kedah since 1909 witnessed how, for the first time in Kedah history, the Malays were explicitly compelled by the government to remain in this activity. This new arrangement was clearly evident with the implementation of strict rice-land policies, especially throughout the period 1917-1932. The focus of this research is twofold: firstly, to evaluate the implementation of rice land policies during the period in question, and secondly, to analyse Malay form of reaction to this issue. To answer both questions, this study uses the qualitative method by focusing on Kedah State Secretary Files and the State of Kedah Annual Reports. Based on the analysis of implementation of rice land policies by the Kedah land administration, and the ensuing Malay reaction towards the government in 1917-1932, the implementation of these rice land policies ensured Malay retention in this traditional activity. Unfortunately, a large number of Malays suffered negative effects from these policies. The lower classes were proscribed by the government from opening and working their land as they please, and risked harsh government penalties for failure to adhere to the set policies. In contrast, the Malay elites continued their monopoly of rice lands due to government policy of maintaining their land-owning privileges.