Issues About Immigration,Economics,and Society:A Study To The History Of The Immigrant Communities From Panyu,China In Ipoh,Malaysia From 1850 To 2000

This is a study to an immigrant group’s history and evolvement from 1850 to 2000 based on a Chinese-Malaysian community of Ipoh,Perak originated from Panyu,China.We are using civilian records to investigate following issues: 1.the motivations of immigration and the formation of their communities;2.the economic development of Panyu communities;3.the organization of these communities and their political participations.Chinese people from Panyu,Guangdong began to move to Larut,Perak under the protection of Hai San Kongsi,a secret society,since the mid-19 th century.After their separation from the Tiandihui society in the early 20 th century,they migrated to places around Ipoh city.Ipoh’s Panyu communities are known for their distinct Guangzhou heritage.Their influences to the Chinese-Malaysian communities are no less than speakers of other Chinese dialects who could have controlled more money and power.These facts made them a group of overseas Chinese worthy of further studies.We learned that in the early days of their immigration,people of Panyu were united under their shared root and dialect.They helped each other to accumulate wealth and gain a foothold in the Malay Peninsula.They established a Guild Hall in the 1920 s as a means for mutual help.This way,they managed to make themselves stronger outside China.After the end of WW II and British colonial control,Malaysia became a state.Panyu immigrants used their economic and political powers to become a major player among other Guangdong immigrants in the newly formed country.They then turned to be Chinese Malaysians instead of overseas Chinese.The growth of Ipoh’s Panyu communities can never be separated from their Guangdong origin,economical activities,community organization,and political activism.Their communities are very limited in size,yet they are strongly united.They did not abandon their home culture,yet their contributions to Malaysia’s business,politics,and culture increased over time.