HISTORY | Christian missionaries in 19th-century Malaya

HISTORY | The history of Christian missionary activity in 19th-century Malaya is often intertwined with the history of colonial political expansionism. Indeed, colonialism was expected to ‘civilise’ the uncivilised ‘others’ in the so-called intellectually and materially backward lands. There is little doubt such ideas and practices formed the cultural basis, rationalising British attempts to ‘modernise’ Malaya's indigenous and immigrant inhabitants.

There is, however, more to the story of English missionary activities in 19th-century Malaya. Despite the attempts by Christian missionaries to Christianise and subvert Malay Islamic ideals, and despite the fact that Christian missionaries failed in their mission, both ended up coexisting peacefully, especially in the Straits Settlements.

The origins of missionary activity in the Straits of Malacca can be traced back to the establishment of the London Missionary Society (LMS) in England. It was founded in 1795 with the ‘holy’ mission of spreading Christianity. It published and distributed Christian writings in vernacular languages, as well as taught children and youth to read and write in schools.

The LMS in Malacca, founded in 1815, took on the stated role in the Straits. Interestingly, the Malay teacher then for such missionaries was Munsyi Abdullah, a prominent Malay linguist. He translated Christian works into Malay. Although there were Muslim scholars and clergy who opposed these activities, the missionary mission was rarely viewed antagonistically.

Meanwhile, Robert Morrison, the LMS’s founder, and clergyman William Milne attempted to convert Chinese immigrants by establishing an Anglo-Chinese College and a Christian publishing company. There were also attempts to convert the Malays...