Rich in historical background, the course of Malaysian history has been determined by its strategic position, its tropical climate, the surrounding environment and the regime of the north-east and south-west monsoons.
In the north, Kedah is reputed to be the most ancient State in the country. Archaeological findings at Bujang Valley furnish evidence of a Hindu-Buddhist civilisation that dates back to 300 AD. It flourished as an important centre of trade and commerce until the 13th century and it waned in importance.
Down south, at around 1400 AD, Melaka, an important State located on the maritime route – the Straits of Malacca, was establishing itself as a trading centre. Abundant in clove, nutmeg and pepper, Malacca attracted colonial powers who coveted the monopoly of the spice trade, and gave the name ‘Fabled Spice Islands of the East’.