Descendants of the Johor royal lineage from Pahang, Johor, and Singapore preserving Malay culture and heritage for future generations
By Mike Paul
BANDAR BARU BANGI, Oct 11 – In a rare and historic forum titled “Sempena 200 Tahun Perjanjian London (1824-2024) dan Kesannya Terhadap Empayar Johor, Riau-Lingga, Pahang & Alam Melayu,” descendants of the Johor royal lineage from Pahang, Johor, and Singapore convened to commemorate the bicentenary of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824, also known as the Treaty of London.
This significant event highlighted the enduring effects of colonial-era agreements on the Malay states and celebrated the shared heritage and unity of the Johor Sultanate’s descendants.
The Anglo-Dutch Treaty of 1824, signed on March 17, 1824, between the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, aimed to resolve disputes arising from the British occupation of Dutch colonial possessions during the Napoleonic Wars. It established clear spheres of influence in Southeast Asia, resulting in the division of the Johor Empire, with the British gaining control over Singapore, the Johor Sultanate, and Pahang, while the Dutch retained control over the Riau-Lingga Sultanate.
Among the distinguished guests was Tengku Mohammed Shawal Tengku Abdul Aziz, a descendant of Sultan Hussein Mohamed Shah Ibni Sultan Mahmud Riayat Shah III, Sultan of Singapore, and the 18th Sultan of Johor. As the Head of the Royal Descendants and Custodian of Customs of Singapore, Tengku Mohammed Shawal’s presence symbolized his dedication to upholding his family’s heritage and responsibilities. Notable author Tun Suzana Tun Othman also attended the event, carrying the lineage of Raja Bendahara Seri Maharaja Tun Mutahir Tun Ali, ruler of Pahang from 1847 to 1863. Her presence added another layer of historical continuity, bridging the royal lineage across centuries and regions.
One for the Album – at the Forum
Also present at the event, representing the Pahang royal descendants, was Tengku Ibrahim Putra Almarhum Tengku Panglima Perang Tengku Datuk’ Seri Abdul Aziz. Meanwhile, Engku Khairul Azuan Engku Sa’edin and Raja Zairol Amira Raja Ali, both Founders of Cempakasari Global, one of the organizers of the forum, also attended, further emphasizing the unity and collaboration among the royal descendants. Additionally, Tengku Othman Tengku Abdul Aziz and Tengku Ahmad Rosdi Tengku Abdullah, from the Sultan Hussein Shah lineage, graced the event with their presence.
Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Abdullah Zakaria Ghazali receiving a souvenir from Engku Khairul Azuan Engku Sa’edin, Founder Cempakasari Global, one the organisers of the forum.
Esteemed historians Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Abdullah Zakaria Ghazali, a renowned Malaysian historian, and his son, Dr Ahmad Farhan Abdullah @ Zakaria, presented key insights into the history and impact of the Anglo-Dutch Treaty. Prof Emeritus Datuk Dr Abdullah traced the origins and influence of the Johor Sultanate, while Dr Ahmad Farhan examined the colonial strategies that divided the once-unified empire, ultimately shaping the region’s modern political landscape.
The forum was organized by Sri Cempakasari Global and Empayar Rumbawe, reflecting the dedication of Malay heritage societies to promoting unity among royal descendants. A memorable segment featured Mr. Mohd Riduan Efendi, Founder of the South Johor Heritage Arts Club, who presented on the cultural and historical significance of the Malay keris, deepening attendees’ appreciation of this iconic symbol of Malay heritage.
Tengku Mohammed Shawal Tengku Abdul Aziz signing the MOU, Next to him is Tengku Ibrahim Putra Almarhum Tengku Panglima Perang Tengku Datuk’ Seri Abdul Aziz (left)
As the forum drew to a close, attendees signed a memorandum of understanding, pledging to set aside ancestral disputes and unite in preserving the Malay cultural legacy. The memorandum embodies a shared resolve to honor the memories of ancestors like Tun Habib Abdul Majid, Sultan Hussein Muazzam Shah ibni al-Marhum Sultan Mahmud III Riayat Shah, and Sultan Abdul Jalil Riayat Syah IV, fostering goodwill, unity, and cultural pride across the Malay community.
This gathering stands as a testament to the strength of the Johor royal descendants and highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and familial unity for future generations.
- TNS News