THE APPOINTMENT OF A MUSHIR (ADVISOR) BY SULTAN ZAINAL ABIDIN III IN EFFORTS TO AVOID BRITISH INTERFERENCE IN THE GOVERNANCE OF TERENGGANU

The placement of a British agent in Terengganu following the 1909 Bangkok Treaty marked the beginning of British intervention in the state. Although the British agent stationed in Terengganu did not wield the same power as the British advisors in Kedah and Kelantan, the presence represented a foreign element in Terengganus government machinery. The British agents presence raised Sultan Zainal Abidin III and Terengganus officials awareness of a potential British threat to the states administration. The Sultan took several actions to prevent British interference, including borrowing a British officer to serve in Terengganus government. This officer, known as a Mushir (advisor or counsellor in Arabic), was incorporated into Terengganus governance structure. This study aimed to examine Sultan Zainal Abidin IIIs intent in requesting the appointment of a Mushir and the appointees role in Terengganus administration. This qualitative study adopted the historical research approach, with content analysis as the data collection method. Findings reveal that Sultan Zainal Abidin III successfully borrowed a British officer to work in Terengganus administration. His aim of delaying direct British intervention was achieved, as he was not obligated to follow the advice of the Mushir (British officer), given that the officer was only loaned to the Terengganu government. When the British realized that the officers position did not yield the desired influence over Terengganus administration, the officers service was then terminated.