+ Issue Date : 21/07/2005
+ Classification : Postage Stamp
+ Emission : Commemorative
+ Designer : Reign Associates Sdn Bhd
+ Printer : Percetakan Keselamatan Nasional Sdn Bhd
+ Printing : Lithography
+ Paper : Phosphorized / Phospor Coated
+ Watermark : SPM (Sideways)
+ Perforations : 12½
+ Separations : Normal Perforations
+ Gum Type : Gum
+ Shape : Rectangular
+ Orientation : Vertical
This year marks the 600th year of Admiral Zheng He's first expedition to Malacca. Up till today, Malaysia regards China as a major trading and business partner and bilateral economic cooperation remains the cornerstone of Malaysia - China policy. Evidence of early trade can be found in the form of tin coins used extensively by merchants. Later, imports and exports of Islamic ceramics and Nyonya ware in the 16th and 18th centuries respectively revealed that the connection between the countries had gone beyond economic and diplomatic relations - it has encroached into our custom and way of life.
As we commemorate the Malaysia - China relationship that had spanned over six centuries, we become more appreciative of the importance of working closely to promote economic growth and political stability in the region. This anniversary marks a new level of friendship between the two nations. As we move into the 21st century, this relationship is pertinent especially in the face of challenges in the global environment.
Merchant Ships
Between 1405 and 1433, Admiral Zheng He commanded a fleet of 62 treasure ships and more than 100 other vessels to Malacca and 30 other countries in the South China Seas, Indian Ocean, Arabian and Mediterranean Sea. The ship carried crews of sailors, officers, translators, warriors, pilots, medicinal experts and craftsmen. Merchant ships also brought with them silk, porcelain ware, tea and gun powder for trading in exchange for local spices and other goods such as glassware, oils, textile cotton and fruits from South and West Asia.
The Emperor of China's Royal Seal to the Sultan of Malacca
China and Malacca enjoyed good diplomatic relations when in 1411, Parameswara led a contingent of 540 envoys to China, in which during the visit, an edict was promulgated appointing Parameswara as the king of Malacca and granted an inscription for the state mountain (country).
A Royal Seal from the Emperor of China was presented to the Sultan of Malacca in recognition of the importance of diplomatic relationship between the two kingdoms. In the following years between 1414 and 1434, other Malacca Sultans also visited China.
Trading in Malacca
During the 15th Century, Malacca developed to become the most important commercial centre in Southeast Asia. Malacca's location and sound government attracted merchants from China, India and Middle East who recognised its potential as an independent port where trade goods could be exchanged.
Nyonya Ceramics
Nyonya ware was first produced during the late 18th Century. These were specially made on consignment for the Strait-born Chinese of Malacca. Nyonya ware is distinguished by their bright colour combinations of pink, yellow, dark blue and green. The designs generally found on the wares are fish, phoenixes, flowers such as roses and chrysanthemums and other favoured animals. These highly treasured wares were produced in Jiangxi and Guangdong province of China. They come in different shapes and sizes but were mainly dining sets, tea sets, vases and other such items.
RM2 Miniature Sheet - Currency
Besides barter trading, coins and other forms of money were extensively used in 15th Century Malacca. Early Chinese merchants introduced tin animal money in the form of rooster, tortoise, fish and crocodile. During Zheng He's trade missions in Malacca, copper coins were issued and used by most merchants but were subsequently replaced with tin which were mined and minted in Malacca.
UNISSUED 50 sen
One week before the original issue date (7 July 2005), it was pointed out to Pos Malaysia that the 50 sen stamp depicts an ancient ceramic plate with verses from the Koran.
This 50 sen stamp was recalled and replaced with another one depicting a business meeting between a Malay and Chinese trader.
