Early Chinese Presence in Malaysia as Reflected by three Cemeteries (17th-19th c.)

In: Archipel: études interdisciplinaires sur le monde insulindien, Band 92, S. 9-21

Open Access

Abstract

Chinese cemeteries, found in various locations in Malaysia, are like historical landmarks. The oldest graves when traced may be used to gauge the association between the Chinese with a particular locality. Such a consideration is important as the community was constantly required to justify and defend its long-standing presence in the country especially in the face of challenges from certain quarters of indigenous political groups which questioned the long term position of the Chinese in the country. Given its importance, this paper sets out to examine the three earliest cemeteries, namely, Bukit China in Malacca, the Chinese cemeteries in Terengganu and Mount Erskine in Penang; with the aim of tracing the earlier graves and to raise questions pertaining to their existence.