The Kingdom of the Netherlands

Where is the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is in Europe. It lies on the North Sea, next to Germany and Belgium. She has a population of 16 million citizens within an area of 41,526 sq km. ‘Nether’ stands for “low” or “below” and indeed Netherlands are, literally the low lands.
The Netherlands is sometimes called Holland. This is not right, because Holland is the name of two of the twelve provinces that make up the Netherlands: North Holland and South Holland.
The Netherlands is a constitutional monarchy. The monarch, HRH Queen Beatrix is the Dutch head of state and together with the ministers, make up the government. The Dutch flag is red, white and blue.
Most of the inhabitants of the Netherlands live in the west of the country, where the four largest cities are located: Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht. This area is known as the Randstad. Amsterdam is the capital of the Netherlands, but The Hague is the seat of the government.
The Netherlands is a multicultural society. Other than Moroccan and Turkish; many people from Suriname and Indonesia live in the Netherlands. This is because at one time, these countries belonged to the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, a group of islands in the Caribbean, still belong to the Netherlands.
Out of the total 16 million populations in the Netherlands, 95%are of Dutch nationalities while the rest of the 5% consists of peoples of other nationalities. Moreover, 31% of the Dutch people are Catholic, 21% Protestant, 5.3% Muslim 2.7% with other religions with the remaining 40% do not belong to any religion.
The Netherlands became very rich in the 17th century, and that is why it is called the Golden Age. The Netherlands did a lot of trade in Indonesia and Malacca ( Melaka ) in the Far East and also to Japan where trading posts for buying and selling were set up in all these countries.
Dutch merchants ( traders ) made lots of money from their trade with foreign countries. They would sail to distant lands in ships loaded with silvers and gold, which they used to buy things they could not get in the Netherlands, such as spices ( pepper, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves ), silk, cotton, porcelain, coffee, tea and sugar.
The ships that sailed to the Far East belonged to the Dutch East India Company. The Dutch name of the company was Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, or VOC for short. The VOC was set up by merchants in 1602 and existed for almost 200 years.
Today the one reason why the Netherlands has been able to grow and prosper is the fact that she has shaped her environment. The Dutch people are famously known for flood defences , dams, levees, and storm surge barriers. The history of the Netherlands is very much the history of water defence strategies and land reclamation. It is this history of adapting to change, inventing and reinventing, experimenting and innovating that have kept the Dutch people’s feet dry! If it weren’t for their sophisticated system of water defences, two-thirds of the Netherlands would be flooded. Incidentally, the lowest point is an area within the town of Nieuwerkerk aan de Ijssel, which is 6.74 meters below sea level.
Well-known Dutch companies in Malaysia include:-
Philips
Shell
Unilever
Oce
Thales.
Also visit www.netherlands.org.my the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Malaysia

Holland Days Opening Ceremony in Malacca ( Melaka )

Got up pretty early at 6.30 am this morning and before anything else sms a “wake up call” message to Jason. Met up at MAM at 8.30am and proceed straight to the Town Council Exhibition Hall with bags full of coins and laminated copies of data…….

4 numbers of empty 4 ft x 4 ft display cabinet were waiting for us there where it took us approximately 30 minutes and it’s all done. Not bad at all!

We proceeded to the Dutch Square where His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands Lody Embrechts had already arrived. His Excellency commented personally to Jason on MAM www.maritime.emalacca.com ‘s contributions towards this Holland Days and He mentioned again TWICE during his speech soon after. He cited the 27 cows displayed during Holland Days were to represent the 27 members of the European Union ( E.U. ) where the Netherlands acted as the transit point to these EU nations and a center of agriculture excellent.

Before our Chief Minister YAB Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Bin Rustam declared opened the Holland Days exhibition; he touched on a few historical evident relating to Melaka Malay Sultanate, Johor Sultanate and Dutch VOC. In particular the Dutch expanded their influence in the Far East and got the co-operation of the Sultan of Johor to fight jointly Melaka governed by the Portuguese in 1640. The Portuguese finally surrendered to the Dutch in January 1641. For almost 150 years thereafter, the Dutch East India Company ( VOC ) monopolized trade in the Far East via Melaka, with little obstruction from other European powers. Last but not least, CM further encouraged the Dutch Authority to collaborate with Melaysian Government in general and Melaka in particular on agro-based and IT development industries where next year he had hoped that Melaka could send trade delegations and maybe Melaka cows too to the Netherlands instead!

Next our CM proceed to the Municipal Exhibition Hall and upon seeing MAM’s academic reports on Dutch-Melaka Numismatic Cultural Heritage and tin and copper coinage exhibits; he wondered why it wasn’t the governing Museum Authority ( PERZIM) but MAM – a private museum that had prepared this important document? To this our Jason just smiled and presented a VOC tin coin to our CM by saying “it’s our joined efforts with PERZIM too!”

When requested by Jason, CM proceeds to signed onto the prepared bunting thanking him for supporting and preserving Melaka’s cultural heritage.

After the press conference, CM and guest attended refreshments hosted by the organizers and before he left for other upcoming functions shortly after that.

Next, Dutch Deputy Ambassador Mr. Luc Schillings and Melaka City Mayor Datuk Zaini bin Mohd Nor came separately to MAM; expressing satisfaction over our contributions, both in exhibits and documentations towards the Holland Days in Malacca. Related photos of Holland Days in Malacca’s opening ceremony can be viewed at www.melakatoday.spaces.live.com .

On behalf of Maritime Archaeology Museum (MAM), we thank the Melaka Government, under the stewardship of our Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd. Ali bin Rustam, His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Mr Lody Embrechts and his delegation; Melaka City Mayor Datuk Zaini, PERZIM and all other relevant entities for various opportunities granted to MAM towards the Holland Days in Malacca.

Dutch Harbour Café – Melaka

I have had the privilege to enjoy a delicious, sumptuous and meaningful lunch at the Dutch Harbour Café situated at 39, Jalan Laksamana 75100 Melaka http://www.dutchharbourcafe.com email: info@dutchharbourcafe.com I was presently surprise to see almost everything going Dutch culturally the very moment I enter the said premise.
A prominent signboard was displayed at the five-foot walkways with Dutch Foods delicacies and drinks. Inside dining sets were positioned romantically with little bouquet of flowers in the middle of the table. The main facing was two clocks; one with Malaysian time of 1.10pm and the other showing 7.10am Holland in the morning (correct me if I am wrong!).Another notable seen was the bunting of Holland Days in Melaka hanging high up readily visible to all. In the middle was a smiling Dutch Lady ( immediately reminded me of the DUTCH LADY infant nutrients in Malaysia ) greeting with colourful tulips and fresh vegetables.
I choose to sit in front of the serving ‘kitchen’ where a courteous waiter name Amy and a sweet fair lady Melissa came to my rescue; as I am alien to Dutch servings. I was referred to try out Chicken Croquette ( RM 7.00 )and a Cuban Perrier ( RM 9.00 ); although I couldn’t pronounce them! Though I must say the Chicken Croquette looked too small a plate for my appetite; it certainly tasted delicious. The Cuban Perrier is a mixture of sweet, sour and bitter drink before being stirred. The little umbrella over the drink was indeed in resonance to the hugh umbrella I was shield under. I was left with no more choice but to try another as my stomach was yarning for more ; so I tried the Chess Croissant ( RM 6.00 ) or else I would ‘die’ of hunger by tea break which I hardly leave the Maritime Archaeology Museum www.maritime.emalacca.com .
That it, I have had a sumptuous Dutch meal today. It was price reasonably and I would highly recommend to all visitors to Melaka to try them out. I was told that they open daily from 9.00am to 1.00am the following morning. Before I forget, the rear of this café is the ever historic and nostalgic Melaka River; where one or gang could spent the evening drinking beers till night fall…….
Although the Melaka River will continue to flow effortlessly, be it upstream during high tide or vise versa; our beers shall continue to flow towards building better acquaintance and friendship for better days ahead and luck in whatever we endeavor in.

Holland Days in Melaka , - 2 to 9th Sept. 2007, Melaka.

Dutch Heritage Melaka
The first relations between Malaysia and the Netherlands date back about 400 years ago when Admiral Cornelis Matelieff de Jonge of the Dutch East Indies Company ( V.O.C.) signed a treaty with the Sultan of Johor reconquer Melaka.
This eventually bore fruit in 1641, after which the VOC established a trading post in Melaka with the agreement of the Sultan. This marks a period of co-operation during which Malaysia and the Netherlands influence and benefited from each other. This is clearly visible in the centre of town with the Stadthuys and Christ Church. At the Dutch Graveyard one can find gravestones with names as Theodorus Hebbers and Hendrik Evertsen. You will also fine the Dutch heritage in Kampung Belanda, with street name as Jonker Street ( Jalan Hang Jebat ) and Heeren Street ( Jalan Tun Tan Cheng Lok ). There are still Dutch descendents living in Malaysia, the Dutch Eurasian Community, carrying Dutch surnames such as Westerhout. Even some Malaysian words derive from Dutch language such as duit ( money ). Beside a British interregnum from 1795 to 1818, Melaka remained in hands of the Dutch until 1824, when they surrendered Melaka to the British in exchange for the Sumatra port of Bencoolen ( Benkulu).
Activities
Saturday 1 –Sunday 9 September
‘The Dutch Market’
Weekdays from 09.00am to 07.00pm
Weekends ( Fri, Sat, Sun ) from 09.00am to 09.00pm
Venue: Dutch Square
Featured: ING Delft Blue Painter, Flowerbooth, Dutch Snacks Booth, Photoshoot Dutch
Costumes, Tradewind Treasures, Presentation Dutch Folklore costumes,
presentation Rembrandt etc.
Thursday 6 September
Lecture Ar John Koh on the Old Melaka Fort
Time: 04.00 -05.00pm
Venue: Melaka Historic Museum, Dutch Square, Jalan Kota.
Architect John Koh has written an article on this subject in the Buletin Warisan,
Apr-June 2007.
Saturday 8 – Sunday 9 Sept September
Cooking lessons from Celine Marbeck
Time: 03.00 – 06.00pm ( both days )
Venue: Quayside Café & Seafood Restaurant, No 4, Quayside Heritage Centre ( both days ) Tel: 06 281 6958
As a, from Dutch originated, Malaysian-Eurasian chef, Celine Marbeck presented cooking demonstrations on a Malaysian TV Channel and presented Master Classes in Eurasian Cooking at the International Gourmand Awards held in Kuala Lumpur 2006.
Saturday 8 – 9 September
Concert ‘ Kleintje Pils’
Time: 03.00pm -04.00pm ( both days )
Venue: Dutch Square ( both days )
Time: 08.30 -09.30pm ( both days )
Venue: Jonkerstreet ( both days )
Kleintje Pils plays joyful, catchy music, mainly Dixieland Jazz and Dutch classics.
Exhibition
Exhibition Dutch East India Company ( VOC )
1 – 30 September Venue: Melaka Conservation Centre, Jalan Laksamana
Exhibition Dutch East India Company coins ( VOC Coins )
1 – 30 September Venue: Melaka Conservation Centre, Jalan Laksamana
Exhibition Sketchbook Malacca
1 – 30 September Venue: Melaka Conservation Centre, Jalan Laksamana
Exhibition EU Herd of Cows
2 – 9 September Venue: Different locations in Melaka
Food
During the “ Holland Days in Melaka” several food and beverage outlets in Melaka will serve automatic Dutch food and snacks.
The Windmill Station (1)
“We make Great Western Food affordable & enjoyable for Everyone.”
No 48 & 50, Jalan Melaka Raya
For reservation/enquiries: 06 285 0145 website: www.the-windmill-station.com
The Windmill Station (2)
Ground Floor ( G33), Jaya Jusco Shopping Complex
For reservation/enquiries: 06 233 1145 website: www.the-windmill-station.com
Dutch Harbour Café
A fusion of Westeern and South East Asian Cuisine. A New Food Sensation comes to Melaka
No. 39, Jalan Laksamana
For reservation/enquiries: 06 283 7606 website: www.dutchharbourcafe.com
Thinking about Netherlands or Holland as it is popularly known, people think mainly about a friendly country with windmills and tulips. Well-known Dutch icons are football player Van Nistelrooij and famous artist Van Gogh. But there is much more!
This is the reason why the Netherlands embassy is working together with Dutch companies and organizations in Malaysia and Dutch related companies to promote the Netherlands and Dutch products. The celebration of 50 years of Malaysia and 50 years of Netherlands-Malaysia diplomatic relations in 2007 offers a golden opportunity not to be missed in this context. The motto ‘Holland, More than tulips’ has been chosen for this year’s campaign. Activities will be organized during the whole year throughout the whole country.
Of course Melaka is prominently featured! Melaka played a vital role for the Netherlands as major trade hub for the Dutch East India Company for nearly 200 years between 1642 and 1824. Many of the most visible buildings, such as the Stadthuys ( townhall in Dutch ) or the Christ Church, are build by the Dutch.
To revive this history and build a bridge to present days, the town will ‘turn orange’ between 2 and 9 September 2007. Featured will be a Dutch Market where typical Dutch specialties will be sold; exhibitions on the VOC will be held; Dutch traditional costumes will be shown; restaurants will be offering Dutch specialties; cooking demonstrations will be organized; and lots more!
The ‘Holland Days in Melaka is supported by ING Insurance, TNT, MISC, Dutch Lady and Douwe Egbert.

The Memorable Malaysia Dollar Banknotes with Legal Tender in 5 Territories

Extracted from The Strength of Malaysia – by Allington Kenneth
Pg 2 -7, The Straits Times Annual, 1964
In Spite of ‘ confrontation’ and misunderstanding by two of her biggest neighbours the Federation of Malaya, (Singapore) , Sarawak and Sabah is assured of a flourishing future of the great human and material assets of its many people. – How true!
The hostility of Indonesia and Philippines has reinforced every argument for Malaysia. Their bitter conclusion is that they would prefer Malaysia not to work. The Philipines Government has failed claim of North Borneo ( Sabah ), while Indonesia believed that both North Borneo and Sarawak should be part of the Indonesia Republic.
“Confrontation” was an unexpected background to the end of British colonial rule in South East Asia. It was as though the Indonesian would welcome British withdrawal only if permitted to fall upon the Borneo States and add them to Soekarno’s empire.
Most of the original doubts which the Borneo States had about Malaysia had disappeared even before ‘ confrontation’ supplied a new and urgent reason for federation. The Borneo States are too small to stand by themselves, while Malaysia quite obviously needed Singapore as much as Singapore needed Malaya.
Politically separated, economically Singapore and Malaya have been partners because they could not be anything else. Singapore has been the gateway and the commercial capital of Malaya.
Sarawak traded with and through Singapore. As for Sabah, the merchants of Singapore were trading with the Sultan of Sulu, the overlord of North Borneo, long before the Chartered Company became king. More so than ever for both, after they became Crown colonies at the end of the Japanese Occupation.
Brunei has not joined Malaysia because of failure to agree on the Sultanate’s oil royalties which the Malaysia Government thought should become federal revenue in another ten years’ time.
Despite all these, in 1959, a new One Dollar banknote was issued with the picture of a fisherman’s boat, signature by Tun Lee Hau Shik and had a security stripe together with a watermark of a tiger’s head. It was printed by Thomas de la Rue co. Ltd. London.
In 1961, a new Ten Dollars with a farmer plowing the rice field with the signature by Tun Tan Siew Sin was issued. It also had a watermark of a tiger’s head – both with captions on the observe that read:-
“ This Note is Legal Tender for Ten Dollars in the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Brunai, Sarawak and North Borneo.”
And Crest of these five respective territories on the reverse sides.
Eventually, the role of printing was taken over by Bank Negara, Malaysia established in 1963.
Although Singapore eventually left Malaysia and Brunei was never part of the pact; however,
this unique collaborations and understandings in the common issuance and utilization of banking notes within 5 territories of 3 sovereignties was instrumental to the eventual formation of ASEAN!

A field trip of photo shooting to the Earth Stockpile at Melak Riverside; off Jln. Kilang Melaka

Today Mr. Senior Yoong came to MAM and when I informed him about the discoveries of artifacts and coins at the aforesaid site; he instructed me to take time off , possibly during lunch break to capture the live photo shots of those people scavenging for artifacts of values…..

As I approach the said site, I could see about 20 people digging searching scavenging on the stockpile of earth excavated from the riverbed by its side. When approached, they kept mum about their findings because according to them , the Melaka Museum authority were on the way so they would find whatever possible as time was not on their side………..

Having a general survey around the stockpile, I then proceed to take shots on those artifacts found amongst the earth, stones and mud. Altogether I’ve discovered about 20 pieces mainly broken blue and white which at my first glance was thought to be from Ming ( 1368 -1644 ) Dynasty ‘s ceramics.

Although I did not discovered Portuguese & Dutch coins as reported in the newspaper; nevertheless I am happy with those photos taken which could be seen at www.picasaweb.google.com/barryng2663 .

Before returning to MAM I stopped by Bkt Cina area to have my favourite Teo Chew Rice at a shop name Teo Sheng next door to Wilson Chicken Rice.

Portuguese-Malacca tin coinage

Variety tin coinage that mint in Melaka and circa 1511-1641.