Stamford Raffles sets out to seek approval for a trading station at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula

Background. Raffles was appointed Lieutenant-Governor of Bencoolen in March 1818. His knowledge of Malay and prior favor with Lord Minto had previously sent him to Malacca. In his correspondences with Calcutta, he emphasized the need to establish influence with native chiefs, which had waned since the Dutch return. The Riau Archipelago was considered an attractive choice just south of the Malay Peninsula, near Malacca.

Approval Process. Lord Hastings held a less-than-stellar opinion of Raffles due to previous financial performance issues and allegations of impropriety during his Java tenure. However, Raffles was well-connected and successful, allowing him to secure permission to set up a settlement. This approval was crucial for his subsequent actions in the region.

Strategic Motivation. Raffles favored Singapura for its strategic location, influenced by readings of Malayan histories and explorations by William Farquhar. He aimed to secure British access along the Strait of Singapore and nearby seas, including the Indian Ocean and South China Sea, by establishing a post at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.