Factors that contribute to the Golden Age of Malacca

The kingdom of Malacca was founded by Parameswara, a prince of Palembang, in the 14^th century.

-          He developed Malacca to be a very supreme and outstanding kingdom. He made Malacca as the world trade centre and centre for spreading the teaching of Islam and knowledge.  His glorious achievement was continued by his successors after him. Malacca achieved its golden age and became a great kingdom as well as strong empire in the Malay Archipelago during the reign of Sultan Mansur Syah. There are few factors that contributed to its supreme and outstanding during that time.

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Geographical factors

     Malacca is strategically located in the Straits of Malacca as a trade route between east and west. Merchants from China and India will stop at Malacca to trade and getting food supplies. Its location provided protection for ships during rough seas and enabled it to develop into a safe port. The narrow pathway of the straits also enables the government to easily control the merchant ships’ passing in and out. 

     Political and administration factors

     Strong diplomatic ties between China and Malacca provide opportunities for Malacca to gain political protection from stronger Siam and Majapahit.  Malacca also has complete security and military features especially with the involvement of Orang Laut and the figures of the government. The existence of efficient administrative structures and a good legal system  helped the government to maintain its peace and security.  They also have strong leadership which is capable leaders such as Sultan Mansur Shah as King, Tun Perak as Bendahara and Hang Tuah as Laksamana. Malacca have good financial and taxation system where the taxes impose to the traders were regarded as fair and reasonable. 

     Economic factors

     Malacca has luxurious abundance of trading items from other major trade regions. They are rich with natural resources and commodities such as spices, resin, timber and rattan, gold and tin. Because of that, Malacca has become a major trading hub and plays an important role as a successful entrepot port. 

   

Social factors

The adoption of Bahasa Melayu as lingua franca also contributed to the Golden Age of Malacca. Bahasa Melayu has been widely used in Malacca.  Foreign traders did not face any communication problems with the officials because they can speak Malay. Bahasa Melayu is also used in other states near Malacca or Malacca colony. The language also used in social, administrative, economic, religious and educational relations.