The Malay

Kingdom of
Malacca

The Malacca Sultanate

Founded by Parameswara, a Palembang prince in 1400.
A centre for maritime-trade and the spread of Islam,
with vast territory and strong trade relations with
powerful countries such as China and India.
A great empire with an advanced civilization.
The ruler was the head of state the Islamic religion and
the army.
The ruling system was known as absolute monarchy.

Nine Sultans of Malacca:

Parameswara/Iskandar Shah
Sultan Megat/Mahkota Iskandar Shah
Sultan Muhammad Shah
Sultan Abu Shahid
Sultan Muzaffar Shah
Sultan Mansur Shah
Sultan Alauddin Riayat Shah
Sultan Mahmud Shah
Sultan Ahmad Shah

 1st ruler to embrace Islam was Sultan Iskandar Shah.

The golden age of Malacca was achieved during the
rule of Sultan Mansur Shah.
Sultan appointed the officials and was assisted by
court officials with different ranks, status &
functions, system known as Fourfold Dignitary
System.
The four main officials are Bendahara, Penghulu
Bendahari, Temenggung & Laksamana.

Bendahara- main minister, advisor to the Sultan, acts as

regent in the absence of the king, chooses the next king.
Penghulu Bendahari treasurer, controls finances of
the country, responsible for collection of taxes &
revenues & head of all port masters.
Temenggung head of legal matters, state laws &
security, known as the head of police, acts as prosecutor,
head of protocol.
Laksamana leader of all kingdoms warriors, bears the
Royal Sword during official functions, diplomat to escort
royal envoys.

1.Geograp
hical
Factors

Factors
That
Contribut
ed to the
Golden
Age of
Malacca

2.Economi
c Factors

In the middle
of the
international
oceanic trade
routes, link
between the
main trade
markets
(between the
India and
China).

Rich with
natural
resources;
aromatic
woods
(perfumes),
rotan, spices,
gold & tin.

Positioned in
the Straits of
Malacca,
straits were
narrow path
& the area
was
protected
from strong
winds.

Led to the
rise of
Malacca as
the main
trading port
and entrepot
port.

3.Political
&
Administra
tive
Factors
Close ties

between
Malacca &
China, received
protection from
China against
Siamese threat
Had a
comprehensive
military
structure and a
good legal
system such as
Hukum Kanun
Melaka &
Undang-undang
Laut Melaka.
Had a wellorganized
treasury system,
tax & trade
systems.
Bahasa
Melayu
as the linga
franca.

Fall of Malacca
Internal factors
Weak leadership
Weakness in
defence sector
Lack of unity
among the people
Behaviour of the
officials
Weak
understanding of
religion

External factors
Discovery of the
Cape of Good
Hope
Portuguese
assault on
Malacca

By
understanding
the factors that
contributed to
the rise and fall
of Malacca, we
can see that the
country was
itself
responsible.

A country can
become weak
and fall prey to
her enemies
because of
unrest due to

weak
leaders,
bribery and
corruption,
betrayal
among
ministers
and
disunity
among the
people.