Forgotten Histories: The Hakka and Cantonese Immigrants in Malaysia

 

Malaysia consists of many cultures, many ethnic, many regions with an extensive ethnic Chinese population. Between 1786 and 1824, the Taiping Rebellion, the Opium Wars, and repeated Western imperialist oppression shattered China. Singapore became the principal entry point for Chinese immigrants trying to escape hardships in their motherland and search for a better future overseas (Voon, 2024). The Cantonese were one of the earliest Chinese groups to migrate to Southeast Asia (Ccs.city, 2023). Waves of Chinese moved into the tin-mining areas that were being opened up in the Malay States of Perak and Selangor from the 1840s (Voon, 2024).Therefore, the majority of Malaysian Chinese are descended from Chinese immigrants who left China in the 1800s in quest of a better life. They took their identity with them when they arrived, which had an impact on their way of life to some degree. Among the sub-ethnic identities they carried with them was Hakka (Mun & Fah, 2022). The identification was crucial at first, serving as a symbol of identity that ultimately allowed the Hakka to function as a cohesive community. We will go over the story of Hakka and Cantonese immigrants, their significance, their contemporary legacy, and the importance of preserving this piece of forgotten history.

For Cantonese communities, the years between 1740–1784 were turbulent. Therefore, the Cantonese inhabitants fled to the peninsular ports scattered throughout the Gulf of Siam when the Burmese launched a ferocious attack on Ayutthaya in 1767 and took control of the city (Ccs.city, 2023). Some Cantonese, their homes in Songkla, Pattalung, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Surat Thani, and Hatien, while others settled in Thonburi, the newly created capital that was renamed Bangkok in 1782. After the Tay Son rebels overran Saigon in 1783 and slaughtered over 10,000 Chinese, the Cantonese-majority Chinese community was forced to flee Saigon to the nearby port-polises of Pattani, Terengganu, Kelantan, and Brunei (Ccs.city, 2023). Between the 18th and 19th century, better security and business opportunities were provided in Southeast Asia by the British entrepots of Penang and Singapore. The Cantonese, who were temporarily residing in the vicinity, grabbed benefit of the situation and relocated to the two islands. Cantonese immigrants from Penang and Singapore migrated to Perak, Selangor, and Negeri Sembilan after large tin resources were found there, where they began lucrative tin mining operations. Some prospered and rose to prominence as tin mining tycoons. The two most notable intellectuals of the era were Loke Yew and Eu Tong Sen (Ccs.city, 2023).

The Nanjing Treaty, which was signed in 1842, stated that China would no longer prohibit its citizens from leaving the country. Consequently, a large number of Chinese, including the Hakkas, began to migrate to South-east Asia (Mun & Fah, 2022). The Taiping Rebellion (1851-1864), the subsequent conflict, had put the Hakkas in a precarious situation as the leaders of the Hakkas made up the majority of the rebels. Many Hakkas suffered persecution after the Qing government put an end to the rebellion. Additionally, the Punti-Hakka Clan War (1855-1867) made their plight worse. The Hakkas lost because they were outnumbered, and they were oppressed once more. A large number of Hakkas eventually fled from China as a result of the persecutions, poverty, and hardships. The Hakkas became a strong, cohesive group as they settled in the Malay states (Mun & Fah, 2022). Within the Chinese population, Hakka was employed as a marker for recognition and was passed down through the generations. But just as time changes, so does how the Chinese perceive themselves. Numerous signs suggest that dialect-based identification is no longer relevant to the Hakkas' daily lives, but these days it plays a less role, and this leads to a reduction in Hakka consciousness among Chinese Malaysians (Mun & Fah, 2022).

The hidden history of Hakka and Cantonese immigrants is a rich narrative of migration and cultural history. The Hakka people are from the northern regions of China, while the Cantonese people are from the Guangdong state in southern China. These two Chinese ethnic groups often settled the significant contributions in societies under the challenging circumstances. The Hakka and Cantonese Chinese immigrants to Malaysia contributed significantly to the development of the country, especially in terms of industry and trade.

However, the contributions of these communities have often outshined by other more prominent narratives such as the Peranakan Chinese and the Overseas Chinese (Strait Chinese). Since migrating from China, the Hakka communities have started to develop all around the world, especially in the Southeast Asian region. This research will focus on the importance of hidden history of Hakka and Cantonese immigrants to Malaysia, and the impacts of immigration on Malaysia’s history and development.

First and foremost, the hidden history of Hakka and Cantonese immigrants to Malaysia is important for the economic and social contributions in system of immigration. Hakka and Cantonese people cannot develop well in China and may even have wars. So, they immigrate to Malaysia to find a good livelihood and earn money to support their families. Hakka people have a good entrepreneurial spirit and professional ethnics, so they can do these social contributions to increase their family income after immigrating. According to W. L. Blythe (1947), many Chinese labourers often enter Malaysia to work, so these foreign workers can provide sufficient labour for the mining and plantation industries. Every immigrant can find a suitable job in Malaysia. For example, Hakka and Cantonese people can add their languages to the movies. In this way, everyone will start to learn Hakka and Cantonese.

Furthermore, the other importance is to protect historical and cultural heritage of Hakka and Cantonese. Hakka and Cantonese immigrants brought with their rich traditions, languages, and religious practices to Malaysia’s cultural. All these factors can be a significant in the Malaysia Chinese community and make them become a historical and cultural heritage in Malaysia. Hakka and Cantonese can introduce the cuisines of hometown to influence Malaysian food. For instant, Hakka Yong Tau Foo and Hakka stewed pork with tofu (Lei Cha) from Hakka, while Dim Sum and roast duck from Cantonese. When Hakka and Cantonese’s signature foods are introduced to Malaysia, Malaysians will try them and learn how to make these dishes. So, the historical and cultural heritage of Hakka and Cantonese can be passed down to the next generation.

On the other hand, the impact of immigration on Malaysia’s history and development is the improvement usage of Hakka dialect. According to Douglas Philip Labadin (2021), Hakka dialect has gradually disappeared in Malaysia due to various reasons, while Mandarin has become the common language in every Chinese people of different dialect groups. After Hakka immigrants in Malaysia, all the elderly and children began to learn Hakka dialect. Although the Hakka dialect in Malaysia has been widely recognized, there are still got some young people who believe that Hakka dialect is not important and may not necessarily be their first-choice dialect. They can also communicate in their own group language such as Mandarin. Nevertheless, learning Hakka dialect is equivalent to learning an additional language for communication. For instant, people can use Mandarin as the official language to communicate such as in school, in office or in government apparatus, and they can use Hakka dialect to chat with friends. So, people who can speak Hakka dialect will have more topics to discuss.

Last but not least, the impact on Malaysia’s history and development is the introduction of the rituals and ceremonies. Every country has their own rituals, celebrations or ceremonies. According to Douglas Philip Labadin (2021), one ritual and ceremonies that Hakka people must observe is grave sweeping, also known as Qingming Festival and Ghost Festival. This festival is specifically dedicated to worshiping the deceased and their ancestors. This ritual and ceremony are also a way to show respect and nostalgia from people, friend and family to the deceased. Since Hakka people immigrated to Malaysia, this cultural custom has been brought into Malaysia. For example, people will clean the graves before Qingming Festival. They will prepare a lot of foods and drinks to worship their ancestors. People also burn some hell money so that their ancestors can spend money in heaven. After the ritual, they will bring the food away and return to home. During the Qingming Festival, ghosts will be released from the gates of the hell for an entire month, so people will try to return home before dark because they are afraid of encountering bad things. So, Hakka people had introduced this ritual and allowed Malaysians to worship their ancestors together.

Cantonese pop attached with younger generations through modern education techniques in Malaysia influences Hakka pop songs, thereby making it more accessible to a more general audience and improving local musical variety (He,2024). They played crucial role in and cultural and social life. Both Hakka Folk Songs and Cantonese music have demonstrated the significance culture of Hakka spirit. These songs act as a link between modern society and traditional cultures which adapted to local influences while preserving their cultural core (He, 2024). 

In Malaysia, Hakka and Cantonese languages both are very important. Hakka serve as common language among Chinese communities in Sabah, while Cantonese is widely known and spoken throughout Peninsular Malaysia, especially in Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley (Wen & Wong, 2019). These communities foster social solidarity and fortify through planning cultural events and taking part in regional festivals, which helps to strengthen sense of identity within their communities (Vollmann & Soon, 2021). Nowadays, Chinese Malaysians still interact with one another in both Hakka and Cantonese languages. However, Mandarin is becoming more common among younger generations because of the language ability to adapt (Liao, 2018).

Additionally, Hakka associations in Malaysia organize some activities such as cultural events, seminars, and performances that enhance community cohesiveness as part of their efforts to promote Hakka culture (Chin & Chang, 2022). Supported by Hakka associations and cultural, these events have become part of Malaysian music culture and contributed to shape Malaysian music education by including numerous cultural inspirations (He, 2024).

Despites its importance, Hakka language struggles to preserve its own character because of cultural absorption and predominance of other languages such as Mandarin (Ong, 2020). As a result, many traditional practices being simplified and replaced by more generic Chinese Malaysian customs especially among young generation. This has contributed to the decline of Hakka identity due to socio-political influences and education policies (Liao, 2018).

Cultural events and education playing crucial roles to preserve both Hakka and Cantonese languages. According to Ong (2020), Hakka cultural events and festivals keep promoting cultural heritage and community togetherness. TV series and music are examples of Cantonese media that help to promote Cantonese language and culture of Malaysia (Vollmann & Soon, 2021). They promote Chinese cultural values and reinforcing social networks within the Chinese community as they celebrated through various festivals and events that help to maintain cultural ties and promote unity.

Cultural of Hakka and Cantonese also played an important role in political landscape. Leaders from these communities may influence political agendas which related to cultural preservation and community development. The cultural practices and associations of the Hakka community contribute to social cohesiveness, which indirectly turn helps to maintain political stability by strengthening the sense of unity between Malaysia’s various ethnic groups (Chin & Chang, 2022).  For instance, Yap Ah Loy, a Kapitan Cina of the settlement that founded Kuala Lumpur have played significant roles in Malaysian history from 1868 to 1885 (Wen & Wong, 2019). The economic and political landscape of Malaysia has been influenced by this leadership.

Cantonese is widely used among Chinese Malaysians in business that reflecting its importance in economic activities (Vollmann & Soon, 2021). Hakka family businesses also contribute significantly to Malaysia’s economy through their historical involvement in industries like mining (Liao, 2018). Both communities’ economic influence is a result of their historical involvement in commerce and their ability to adapt to Malaysia’s economic policies.

Unwrapping hidden history is significant in shaping national identity because by recognizing all contributions in various fields, our national identity can be strengthened efficiently. In traditional Malaysian history, the contributions of Malays, Indians, and Chinese are often highlighted, but particular groups like the Hakka and Cantonese are marginalized (Yen, 2000). By acknowledging the cultural, economic, and political contributions of these groups, an inclusive Malaysian identity will be created, as all ethnic groups feel recognized. For example, Hakka immigrants played a crucial role in Malaysia’s tin mining industry; however, their stories are often overlooked in mainstream history (Purcell, 1948).

Additionally, uncovering hidden histories helps correct historical bias and provides a more complete narrative of Malaysia’s past. Many historical records focus on elite figures while ignoring the ordinary laborers and merchants who built the economy (Comber, 1959). The Hakka and Cantonese were among the first immigrants to arrive in Malaysia but are often overshadowed by Peranakan and Straits Chinese narratives. For instance, the contributions of Hakka miners in Perak in the 19th century are infrequently included in school history textbooks (Andaya & Andaya, 2001).

At the same time, remembering hidden histories contributes to unity in Malaysia’s multiracial society. These histories help promote social cohesion and multicultural appreciation. Learning about the shared struggles of different ethnic groups fosters mutual respect among Malaysians (Wang, 1992). A good example is how Hakka and Cantonese immigrants worked alongside Malays and Indians in tin mines and plantations, together creating a shared economic history. Furthermore, understanding past racial conflicts and power struggles is essential to preventing historical injustices from repeating. A notable example is the Larut Wars (1861-1874) between Hakka-dominated Ghee Hin and Cantonese-dominated Hai San, which ultimately led to British intervention in Malaya (Andaya & Andaya, 2001). Learning about these conflicts encourages peaceful resolutions to modern ethnic tensions.

Furthermore, there are several ways to raise awareness about hidden histories among the Malaysian community. Firstly, authorities should incorporate hidden histories into education. The school curriculum should include the contributions of Hakka and Cantonese immigrants rather than just mentioning general Chinese immigration (Tan, 1993). Case studies of Hakka tin miners, Cantonese traders, and their role in Malaysia’s urbanization could be included in history textbooks. Next, authorities should also promote documentaries, museums, and cultural exhibitions. Public museums and documentaries can highlight Hakka and Cantonese histories, ensuring their stories are well-preserved for future generations (Yeoh, 2003). For example, the Han Chin Pet Soo Museum in Ipoh educates visitors about Hakka miners and the secret societies that shaped Malaysia’s tin industry.

The Hakka and Cantonese immigrants in Malaysia are often underappreciated or overlooked in mainstream narratives. The contributions of Hakka and Cantonese immigrants have significantly shaped Malaysia’s identity. These communities have left an undeniable mark on the country’s progress in the tin-mining industry, the most significant in economic growth, to their enduring impact on language, traditions, and social cohesion in the Malaysian community today.

Other than their contributions, mainstream historical narratives often leave the Hakka and Cantonese legacies underrepresented but highlighting other Chinese subgroups instead. Therefore, we should recognize the struggles and achievements of the Hakka and Cantonese immigrants to foster a more inclusive national identity and ensuring that all communities feel valued in Malaysia’s history.

Preserving and promoting these forgotten histories is important in shaping the future. By including their stories into education and cultural initiatives, we can ensure that future generations appreciate the rich heritage that built Malaysia. Historical preservation is more than just remembering, as it is about recognizing the past that unite us and strengthening our collective identity as a multicultural nation.

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