DEMYSTIFICATION OF THE HARLEM PENGLIBATAN SULTAN ABDUL SAMAD DALAM MAJLIS MESYUARAT NEGERI SELANGOR, 1877-1898: SUARA DAN KERAJAAN

This work is submitted as an effort to revise the academic opinion on the involvement of Sultan Abdul Samad in the development of the Selangor administration (1874-1898), hitherto referred to as considered as weak, passive, and indolent, and present a more favourable view. Primary sources (Colonial Office, Minutes of Selangor Council and Selangor Secretariat Files) as well as secondary sources were used to rectify previous interpretations. Overall, Sultan Abdul Samad played a significant role in the development of the Selangor administration and was an active member, as well as President of the Selangor State Council. Sultan Abdul Samad discussed, supported and shared his opinions on the implementation of the Residential system, Islam, land, tariffs, the courts, appointment of Penghulus and Chinese Kapitans, allowances and pensions, with the Residents and members of the Selangor State Council. In addition, the presence of the Sultan in the council was encouraging, especially in Jugra. Even though Sultan Abdul Samad was often absent from the meetings in Kuala Lumpur, matters pertaining to the meeting would be submitted to him to obtain his assent. Therefore, evidence of the Sultan’s active involvement negates the previous and erroneous assumptions on his character as being weak, passive and indolent.