A Journal in the Federal Capital

A Journal in the Federal Capital is a captivating journey back to 1930s Kuala Lumpur, a city rapidly transforming from a Chinese mining village into the administrative and economic heart of the Federated Malay States. Through the insightful eyes of George L. Peet, the pioneering Straits Times correspondent based in the city, this rediscovered classic offers a vibrant, kaleidoscopic account of Malayan life at a pivotal time, even as it grappled with the shadows of the Great Depression. Peet’s authentic observations and surprisingly prophetic insights provide a unique and invaluable window into this era. This meticulously curated anthology brings to life the bustling, newly emerging metropolis through Peet’s engaging narratives. Explore his early descriptions of Kampung Baru (then known as the Malay Agricultural Settlement) and its once-famous Pekan Ahad or Sunday market, a cultural institution for city Malays for many years. Delve into his detailed topographical accounts of old Kuala Lumpur, including the relatively isolated coffee estate on Weld Hill, now the bustling commercial hub around Jalan Raja Chulan. Follow Peet as he walks through Chinatown, capturing both the quaint, forgotten rites of the Chinese community and the vivid sights and sounds of its crowded streets.

Beyond the capital, Peet’s peerless accounts extend to Malay life in Selangor. Discover rare literary snapshots of long-forgotten towns such as Bandar and Jugra, and gain a thrilling understanding of the Pawang, or Malay witch-doctor, an indispensable fixture in rural society for decades. Peet’s analyses of the socioeconomic conditions of Malays during the 1930s slump, based on his personal observations in areas like Setapak and Ulu Gombak, are remarkably accurate and curiously prescient, even anticipating future government policies. Experience Peet’s adventurous spirit as he recounts driving across the breadth of Pahang through lonely jungle stretches, retracing the history of the once-thriving port of Lukut, or embarking on a rare and haunting excursion to isolated Bukit Kutu. A recurrent theme woven throughout his collection is the inevitable encounter between the ancient Malay kingdoms of the East Coast and the bold forces of modernity, offering profound insights into the evolving landscape of Malaya.

Originally published in 1983 and long out of print, this volume collects articles from Peet’s popular Saturday column during his four-year stint in Kuala Lumpur. This cherished volume, now available once more, offers invaluable insights not only for casual readers and historians of modern Malaya but also for urban and socioeconomic policy planners.