DISKRIMINASI DALAM DASAR TANAH GETAH DAN REAKSI ORANG MELAYU DI KEDAH, 1915-1932

Discrimination in Rubber Land Policy and Malay Reaction in Kedah, 1915-1932

Abstract

The introduction of rubber, a new commercial crop in Kedah, at the tail end of the Siamese protectorate era diversified Malay agricultural activity in the state. Malay interest in the crop grew during British rule, specifically in 1915 in line with the development of rubber planting in the first years following changes in Kedah land administration. However, the liberal colonial attitude was temporary, and they began to implement a more stringent policy regarding rubber land. This study aims to answer two main questions: what was the rubber land policy implemented in Kedah in the period 1915-1932, and what was the form of Malay reaction to this policy imposed upon them during the period in question. This study uses the qualitative method by focusing on Kedah Annual Reports and State Secretary Files to obtain the necessary data. The results of the study prove the Malays in Kedah, especially the lower classes, were successfully impeded from cultivating rubber freely through enforcement of land laws and land administrative practices.