Pasir Salak, Malaysia's heritage
Introduction
Pasir Salak
is the place where Malaysia's modern
history began, Malaysia's cultural heritage. It's where the spirit of independence from the
British got shape, where democracy was in Malaysia was born and therefore a
important piece of the Malaysian heritage. .
I have visited the complex two times and I found it most rewarding. So
let's see what Pasir Salak really is.
The complex was build in 1987 in honor to the people
who helped to shape Malaysia as it is now. It is a reminder for the present
and future generations of the sacrifice made by chiefs and warriors of Perak
in defending their dignity, customs and religion.
The complex consists of different buildings in
traditional Malay style.
Guide map of the complex
The Warriors Monument
The Warrior Monument was erected in 1990 as a symbol of bravery, courage and
pride of the Malay warriors who fought against the British forces in the
1875 rebellion. This monument was officially opened by the Raja Muda of
Perak on 26 May 1990. The monument was sculptured in the form of a "sundang",
a Malay sword widely used in the war between the Malays and the British in
1875 at Pasir Salak.
The Sundang is originated from the
islands of Sulawesi Indonesia and brought to the Malay Peninsula in the
17th.Century. The blade of these weapons are similar to the keris (double
sided blade).
The Sundang is mainly used for cutting and not
stabbing as the keris. The Sundang is used in the Royal Ceremonies and named
as: Cutam, Si Raja Wali, Sundang and Sada Maikah. It is carried by four
personal named 'Kundang' on their right shoulders and was a much feared
weapon in the war with the British forces.
The museum
Terawong Sejarah Pasir Selak is a fine example of Malay heritage. The museum
offers
a good overview of the history of Pasir Salak and the ruling of the British
over Perak. It shows photos and artifacts of modern Malaysia's history and
the shaping of Malaysia as we know it now.
The entrance to the Museum
The Mosque
This is the oldest Mosque built on the original site which
was burned down by the British when they attacked Pasir Salak
on 5 November 1875. The Mosque was officially opened on 25 September 1964.
The Watchtower
The Watchtower is the first building you see when
entering the complex. Although the picture seems to be different, the tower
is located in the heart of complex. As I understood, it was even used as a
watchtower by the British forces.
If this is true I can not say. Truth is that the
tower is beautifully preserved as all the buildings in the complex.
Site where Birch was killed
At about 12 midnight on the second of November 1875 J.W.W. Birch disembarked
from his boat named "Naga" Birch on to a raft nearby. His mission was to
enforce British administration in Perak.
The Watchtower
On the morning of the same day, Dato'
Sagor and 50 of his warriors proceeded to meet Birch. They told Birch he had
no right to post proclaimations and enforce British rule in Perak. Birch was
andamant whereupon heated argument ensued. Birch requested Maharaja Lela to
see him. But when about to do so he was speared by Pandak Endut.
There was a commotion during which Birch
was killed while still in the bath house. Thus began one of the most
significant events in the history of the nation which would eventually lead
into the independence from the United Kingdom in 1963. The monument of JWW
Birch was build by the British government around 1900 as a memory of J.W.W.
Birch, the first British Resident who was murdered at Pasir Salak.
Birch was born in 1826 in South England.
His father was a Christian clergyman and had served in the Ceylon navy. One
of his sons, P.C.J.W. Birch became the fourth British Resident of Perak
after Sir Frank Swettenham from 1904-1911.
Getting there
Pasir Salak is located 65 km from Lumut and Pangkor.
Without your own transport it is difficult to get there. Your best bet will
be by taxi from either Lumut or Ipoh since Ipoh is also about 65 km away.
You can book a taxi from our excellent taxi service
Check for busses to Ipoh, our bus to Pangkor page.
Pasir Salak
has an important place in Malaysia's turbulent history. Read
more on Malaysias' History
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