‘Johor-China ties older than Malaysia’

Abdul Rahim (third from left) at the launch of the book alongside (from left) another of the writers, Soh Kian Heng, Prof Kassim, Johor Baru Tiong Hua Association former president Ho Sow Tong and Chee.

JOHOR’S diplomatic ties with China were fostered long before Malaya’s independence, says local historian Prof Datuk Kassim Thukiman.

The Johor Royal Court Council advisory committee member said the state’s ties with China began as early as the 1840s.

“The Johor Istana Besar’s Chi­­nese Hall was built in 1875, where­­as Malaysia’s formal relationship with China only began 52 years ago.

“This shows how Johor was far ahead in terms of international relations, having established links with countries such as China, Japan, Turkiye, England and Brunei much earlier,” Prof Kassim said during the launch of the book titled Sejarah Dewan Cina, Istana Besar Johor (History of the Chinese Hall at the Johor Istana Besar) at Johor Baru Chinese Heritage Museum.

The book was launched by pro­minent historian and Johor Royal Court Council president Datuk Dr Abdul Rahim Ramli.

Prof Kassim, one of the book’s four authors, said it took two years for him and his fellow writers from Johor Baru Tiong Hua Asso­cia­tion to complete the 285-page publication.

“The book is divided into two sections.

“The first ex­­plains the historical development of the Chinese community in Johor.

“The second part focuses on the history of the Chinese Hall, including the plaques displayed around the hall,” he said, adding that the work would allow future generations to understand who contributed to the hall’s legacy.

Prof Kassim said the book aligned with the vision of His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia.

“His Majesty strongly encourages research and the publication of books on anything related to Johor’s history, as he believes that the state’s younger generations must understand their historical roots,” said the book’s co-author.

“Through that understanding, they will be able to live more harmoniously, foster unity and work together in developing Johor’s economy.”

The other writers of the book, which is also available in Mandarin, are Ho Kuek Kuwang, Soh Kian Heng and Teow Kai Fook.

Johor Baru Tiong Hua Asso­ciation president Chee Wing Kien said the book documented the Chinese community’s history.

“It traces the journey of the Chinese community in Johor and its relations with China.

“It also serves as a record of the cultural and artistic heritage that has been preserved and passed down, highlighting the very close and harmonious relationship between the Johor palace and the Chinese community,” he said.