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The
word Johor is taken from the Arabic word, 'Jauhar', which literally
means 'Precious Stones'. This illustrates the influence of the early
Arab traders who traded spices in Johor. To the Siamese, Johor is
'Gangganu' or 'Treasured Stones'. One can trace the multifaceted
culture and ethnic mix evident today back through the centuries
when it was fought over by the Malays, Portugese, Achinese, Dutch,
Bugis and British sometimes on grounds of religion but more often
because of trade.
The
history of modern Johor began with Dato' Temenggong Daing Ibrahim,
the son of Temenggong Abdul Rahman who was a descendant of Sultan
Abdul Jalil IV of Johor. In 1855, under the terms of a treaty between
the British in Singapore and Sultan Ali of Johor, the control of
Johor was formally cede to Dato' Temenggong Daing Ibrahim. Sultan
Ali retained control over Kesang until shortly before his death
in 1877 when the territory was ceded to Dato' Temenggong Abu Bakar.
Dato'
Temenggong Daing Ibrahim maintained the seat of government at Teluk
Belanga in Singapore but also begs to develop Tanjung Puteri in
Johor. His reign saw the opening of land to Chinese settlers from
Singapore for the cultivation of pepper, a move that boosted the
economy of the state.
The
Temenggong was succeeded by his son, Dato' Temenggong Abu Bakar
who later took the title Seri Maharaja Johor. Temenggong Abu Bakar
continued his father's efforts in cultivating friendly relations
with the British. In 1866, he was formally crowned Sultan of Johor,
a feat that earned him the title of 'Father of Modern Johor'. He
gave Johor its constitution and developed an efficient system of
administration. The moving of the seat of government from Teluk
Belanga to Tanjung Puteri (renamed Johor Bahru) in 1841 led to the
rapid development of the town as government offices, police stations,
mosques and court houses were built. The Istana Besar constructed
during his reign became the official residence of the Sultan.
His
successor, Sultan Ibrahim, continued to maintain close relations
with the British and in 1910, requested for the services of a British
advisor to counsel him on matters of state. Under the able administration
of Sultan Ibrahim and his successors, Johor continued to thrive
and prosper.
In
1941, the peninsula fell under Japanese occupation and joined the
Federation of Malaya in 1948.
After independence in 1957, Malaysia has evolved into a combination
of constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy. Johor is
now a prosperous state with an expanding economy, fueled by agriculture,
manufacturing, commerce and tourism. |
