Remembering The Naning Wars

If you read the history of Malaysia, many of us would know that the first resurgence of the British occupancy in Malaya came from a man named Dol Said. Dol Said or in full Dato' Abdul Said was a 19th century Malay leader of an area called Naning, which was then part of Malacca on the Malay Peninsula. He opposed taxation by the British's taxation policy in the area and refused to pay it. This was a direct cause of a conflict known as the Naning War. (source: wikipedia)

The Naning War is fought by Dol Said and his men through mainly guerilla tactics and also with aid from other Malay allies such as Seri Menanti, Sungai Ujong, Johol and Muar. These unity and some brilliant tactics by Dol Said have made Naning impenetrable. The British have sent huge amount of soldiers to recapture Naning but has been defeated in each battle.

The British in realising their defeat changed their tactics. They realise that the united front of Dol Said and his allies was the main reason they cannot recapture Naning. They then conspired with Yamtuan Muda Raja Ali in Rembau and also with other Malay alllies that once supported Dol Said. Rembau have also agreed to send 600 troops to assist British in attacking Naning. In a battle led by Colonel Herbert, the British finally secured victory as all the Malay allies have betrayed Dol Said and sided with the British. The battle have forced Dol Said to retreat to Sri Menanti before surrendering himself, effectively ending the war. British then combined Malacca and Naning. Dol said was given a home in Malacca.

Dol Said and the people of Naning was betrayed by the Malays of Rembau. The Rembau Malays and their descendants now enjoying the spoils of war and from the blood shed by the people of Naning.

Naning war have shown us that with a united front, we can defeat the enemy no matter how big they are. British at that time was a super power with empire spanning around the globe but was defeated by Dol Said and his men. They only lost because of the betrayal of their own people. This same pattern can be found in many countries histories. In one hand, you have this true freedom fighter and a leader who wants nothing but freedom for the country. In another hand, you have leaders who turns greedy and willing to sacrifice their country as long as their pockets and interests are well been taken care of.

And I am pretty sure also that here in the present day of Malaysia, we do have politicians and leaders who would willing to sell the country to foreign powers as long as their greedy needs is being taken care of. Honestly, we are witnessing it right now in our current political scenario. So, it is our job to make sure these kind of leaders do not get elected or stay in the corridor of power. God bless Malaysia.