The title of Mejar Cina is unknown to most Johoreans and other Malaysians, but in reality, it has a long history that can be traced back to the time of Temenggong Daeng Ibrahim, the father of Sultan Abu Bakar.

The Temenggong had allowed Chinese settlements called “kangkars” to be opened in Johor, where the communities there were allowed to live without much government interference.

These kangkars had leaders, and eventually, a select few would be recognised by the Sultan as kapitans or as a Mejar Cina.

Their task was to relay royal decrees to their communities, receive feedback on the development of said communities and keep everyone united.

The first Mejar Cina to be named was Tan Hiok Nee of the Tebrau Kangkar.

Speaking to FMT, Teo Kok Seong, a UKM professor, said that the last Mejar Cina title was awarded by Sultan Abu Bakar, and the practice was discontinued after his passing.

“Mejar Cina was an officer of a fairly high rank in the then-Johor State Administration, appointed by the late Sultan Abu Bakar, during his reign, to take charge of Chinese economic enterprises, especially in the agricultural sector.”

According to Teo, for a person to be awarded the title, they must be a respected and successful Chinese entrepreneur.

The current holder of the title is Wong Khong Soon, who manages Mados’ oil palm plantations and is the descendent of a famous Johorean entrepreneur.

“The revival (of the use of this title) in these modern times mean the present Johor State Government too recognises the significant involvement of ethnic Chinese in the economic (agricultural) sector in Johor,” said Teo.

“It is also an acknowledgement of their momentous contribution to the state’s development.”

“All this is done in the spirit of Bangsa Johor which places great importance on inclusivity, irrespective of one’s ethnicity.”