The Role of The Military, The Bruneian Political Power and The Malay Realm (14th 19th Century): From a Historical Perspective

Abstract

This paper attempts to discuss the role of the military, the Bruneian political power and the traditional Malay Realm. The period investigated is between the 14th and 19th Century . Apart from Brunei, the other countries that is considered to have been a part of the Malay Realm includes Malaysia, Indonesia, Patani in Thailand, and the Philippines. It was in these nations where the Malay Realm sultanates once existed, each with its own military, not only Brunei, but also Malacca, Aceh, Demak and Patani. The military , in general, is defined as a group of people who are authorised to defend a country from any enemy attacks, whether it is from within the country or from external forces. They are also often ordered by a government or leader to attack other countries or certain factions, who they see as the enemy. Ketenteraan (The Military) – Malay Language Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia (2020)
The military’s role in defending a country from enemy attacks is, on its own, related to political influences. If it manages to defeat the enemy, it means that it was successful in protecting the country’s current political powers. Thus, the defended country is regarded as sovereign and independent, free from foreign dominion. Aside from facing foreign military attacks, the military is also often used in disabling any rebellious attempts to overthrow the ruling power. In such situations, it is clear that not only is there armed forces that is owned by the government, but also certain parties who have a significant political influence with many followers. This, then, gave rise to these phrases; government’s army, dignitary’s army, the government agent’s army and ‘tentera karah’ (conscripted army).
From here, this paper attempts to discuss the role of the military and political power, focusing on territorial expansion, efforts to overcome internal crises caused by power struggles which led to rebellions, piracy issues, national defence from foreign attacks, and military assistance to other nations.