Tok Janggut

Tok Janggut or Haji Mohd Hassan bin Munas (1853 - June 25, 1915) was a famous Malay warrior in Kelantan, Malaysia during British protectorate. He was named Tok Janggut because of his long beard, almost reaching his chest ('janggut' being the Malay word for beard).

Brief Biography

Tok Janggut received his early education in Mecca and a was master in silat, a Malaysian martial art. After the Bangkok Treaty of 1909, Britain took over the administration of Kelantan from Siam, and immediately made significant changes in the administration system. Most of them infuriated Tok Janggut and became the trigger for his rebellion.

Factors of the rebellion

Tax was one reason why Tok Janggut revolted, but there two other causes:
*Jihadism- Tok Janggut was influenced by the message of Jihadism promulgated during the Ottoman Empire in the early 20th century. The message advocated the fight against Western imperialism
*Forced travel - Residents of Pasir Puteh were unable to pay because the government tax office was a great distance away at Kota Bharu. Tok Janggut attempted to go to Kota Bharu to pay the tax but to no avail. Meanwhile, Britain was making it harder for everyone to pay the tax by either putting them in prison or fining them. Besides, the behaviour of the British tax officers there seemed unpleasant for the Kelantan civilians who came there to pay the tax.

Rebellion

On 29 April 1915, the administration of Jeram, Pasir Puteh, Kelantan subsequently fall to Britain's hands. One of the British officers, Encik Latiff took over the administration of Kelantan from the local leader, Engku Jeram. Things seem to go out of control as Encik Latiff, an out-sider and whose native state is not Kelantan, was very stern and firm about collecting tax in Kelantan.

Engku Besar Jeram, immediately called upon Tok Janggut, Haji Said, Che Sahak Merbol and Penghulu Adam, to discuss about the present state of Kelantan. They also signed a pact which prohibits anyone of them to co-operate with the Britain. Not surprisingly, their independence fight gained support of most Kelantan residents, which made Encik Latiff worried greatly. He decided to put the situation to a halt before any possible revolt occurs.

On the 29 April 1915, Encik Latiff sent Sergeant Sulaiman, or better-known as Sergeant Che Wan to arrest Tok Janggut for failing to pay the government tax. Tok Janggut agreed but refused to walk in front of them and a fight occurred, in which Tok Janggut manages to stab the sergeant.

Following the event, Tok Janggut immediately assembled all his men and marched towards to Pasir Puteh. Encik Latiff, out of fear, quickly fled Pasir Puteh before the invasion. Here, Tok Janggut fought a battle against the British forces in which ultimately, they are successful. They remained in Pasir Puteh for three days and declared the independence of Pasir Puteh from British rule. Engku Besar Jeram was selected King of Pasir Puteh and Tok Janggut as Prime Minister. Britain immediately decreed Tok Janggut and his fellow comrades as 'traitors.' Britain also promised a reward of $500 for the person who caught Tok Janggut or his comrades, dead or alive.

As a result of Tok Janggut's refusal to surrender, British officers in Kelantan took immediate action by burning down Tok Janggut's house, as well as his followers' houses, too. Tok Janggut immediately replied by laying a siege on Pasir Puteh. This time, luck was on Britains' side, Tok Janggut was killed in the gruesome battle near Kampung Pupuh. His dead body was exhibited throughout Kota Bharu and Pasir Puteh and was hung for several days in front of the Kelantan Royal Palace. Tok Janggut's body was buried in Pasir Pekan afterwards, marking the very end of the rebellion against British rule in Kelantan.

Authored by,ISAAC FREUD