Proto Malay, also known as Melayu asli (aboriginal Malay) or Melayu purba (ancient Malay) are the mongoloids and austronesianspeakers from mainland Asia who moved to the Malay peninsular and Malay archipelago in a long series of migration between 2500 B.C and 1500 B.C[1]. The Encyclopedia of Malaysia: Early History, has pointed out a total of three theories of the origin of Malay:
- The theory of Proto Malay originating from Yunnan is supported by R.H Geldern, J.H.C Kern, J.R Foster, J.R Logen, Slametmuljana and Asmah Haji Omar. Other evidences that support this theory include:
- Stone tools found at Malay Archipelago are analogous to Central Asian tools.
- Similarity of Malay customs and Assam customs.
- Malay language & Cambodian language are kindred languages because the ancestral home of Cambodians originated from the source of Mekong River.
- The New Guinea theory (published 1965).
- The Taiwan theory (published 1997)
The proto Malays are believed to be seafarers knowledgeable in oceanography and possessed agricultural skills. They moved around from island to island in great distances between New Zealand and Madagascar, and they served as navigation guide, crew and labour to Indian, Arab, Persian and Chinese traders for nearly 2000 years. Over the years they settled at various places and adopted various cultures and religions.
Deutero Malays
The earlier Malays were later replaced by the Deutero Malays in the second wave of migration from mainland Asia around 300 B.C[2]. The present day Malays of the peninsular and coasts of Malay Archipelago are described anthropologically as Deutero Malays[3]; a combination of Proto Malays with Kambujas of Hindu-Buddhism faith, the Indo-Persian royalties and traders, southern Chinese traders, the aborigine Negrito Orang Asli, native seafarers, and traders from countries along the ancient trade routes.
The emergence of this new hybrid group had eventually forced some group of Proto Malays and aboriginal people to retreat into the hill areas of the interior further up rivers. Notable proto Malays of today are Moken, Orang Laut and Jakun.
- ^ Neil Joseph Ryan (1976). A History of Malaysia and Singapore. London: Oxford University Pres. pp. 4 & 5. ISBN 0195803027.
- ^ Alan Collins (2003). Security and Southeast Asia: domestic, regional, and global issues. Singapore: Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. p. 26. ISBN 981-230-230-1.
- ^ "The Malays". Sabrizain.org. Retrieved 2010-06-21.
