We'll fight to the death," cried Raja Haji, picking up a kris. "Open the gates!" The Bugis warriors charged with their spears, krises and rifles. Arong Lenga rode on a pony, a spear clutched in one hand. The Dutch were waiting for them and fired. Arong Lenga was shot and fell. Raja Haji screamed in anger, his dagger raised. The Dutch fired another volley. … In this exciting book, Malaysia's fascinating history is brought to life. Children will discover the wonders, intrigues, romance and wars of times past. Here, they'll find answers to questions like ...… Who founded the Melaka Empire? How did Francis Light get hold of Penang? Why did Singapore have its own Sultan? Who were the White Rajahs? Why did the Dutch give Melaka to the British? Who were the Ghee Hins and Hai Sans? Who started the state of Perlis? Why is Brunei not part of Malaysia? What is the lost kingdom of Riau-Johor? "This is a wonderful book which even adults will thoroughly enjoy!"
Author
Tunku Halim has lived in the UK, Australia, the Philippines, Thailand and Malaysia. He worked as Legal Counsel for a global IT company before turning to writing. Twenty books later, he is dubbed Asia’s Steven King. By delving into Malay myth, legends and folklore, his writing is regarded as ‘World Gothic’. His novel, Dark Demon Rising, was nominated for the 1999 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award whilst his second novel, Vermillion Eye, is used as a study text in The National University of Singapore’s Language and Literature course. His short story has also won first prize in a 1998 Fellowship of Australian Writers competition. In Malaysia, he has had three consecutive wins in Malaysia's Star-Popular Readers’ Choice Awards between 2015 and 2017.
