Kepentingan Huiguan (Persatuan Cina) Terhadap Orang Cina Bentong Semasa Zaman Kolonial British

The Importance of Huiguan (Chinese Association) For Bentong Chinese during the British Colonial Period

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the importance and the role of huiguan in the Chinese community during the British administration. This article focuses on the huiguan which was established before 1957 and the roles of huiguan to the Bentong Chinese community. Qualitative methods have been used in this study. The analysis is based on primary and secondary sources from annual reports and manuscripts of huiguan, books,journal, andmagazines of huiguan. The results show that the Bentong Chinese Chamber of Commerce, the Association of Bentong Kwangsi and the Association of Chinese Assembly Hall were the earliest established huiguan in Bentong and were influential huiguan for the Bentong Chinese. Huiguan plays an important role in providing welfare and assistance to members, such as providing temporary accommodation, providing job opportunities, managing matters of marriage and funeral, holdingthe Chinese tradition, customs andbelief activities,providing health facilities andrecreational activitiesandresolving disputeswhich occurredbetween tribes andmembers. The importance of huiguan in the Chinese community in Bentong has succeeded in creating a harmonious community life.