Malaysia 2005 600th Years of Relationship with China

The relationship between China and the Malay Peninsula, which now forms part of Malaysia, spans over 600 years, rooted in the era of the Malacca Sultanate and China's Ming Dynasty.

The most significant early connection began in the early 15th century with the voyages of the great Chinese Admiral Zheng He. Between 1405 and 1433, Zheng He's massive fleet made frequent stops in Malacca during his expeditions to the "Western Seas." His visits were not those of conquest, but of peace, trade, and diplomacy, establishing a tributary relationship where Malacca sought protection from its more powerful neighbors like Siam (Thailand) and Majapahit.

The Malaysian stamp issue commemorating the 600th Anniversary of the Malaysia-China relationship in 2005 experienced a significant recall and re-issue due to a sensitive error concerning the artwork on the original stamps and Miniature Sheet (MS).

The central controversy revolved around the design of the 50 sen stamp and the Miniature Sheet (MS).

The original ( then recalled ) 2005 Miniature Sheet depicts a bustling waterfront scene in 15th-century Malacca. In the foreground, a Malay Sultanate official is seen greeting a Chinese official, presumably Cheng Ho.  Behind them are Chinese junks docked at the harbour, signifying the pivotal role of maritime commerce. The stamp itself, set into the sheet's right side, focuses on historical artifacts : “Matawang Timah Ayam Jantan” ; 

“Matawang Timah Laksamana Zheng He” ; and 

“Matawang Zaman Kesultanan Melaka” in reverse, with Arabic inscription meaning ‘The Helper of the World and of the Religion’, the first coin (1456–59 and 1477), issued during the time of King Parameswara the last king of Singapura and the founder of Malacca.  

The inclusion of holy scripture on a non-religious commemorative item, particularly one printed on a stamp which could be subject to improper handling or cancellation, was deemed religiously and culturally inappropriate and sensitive.

The stamp issue was originally scheduled for release on July 7, 2005. It was promptly recalled on the same day due to the identified religious sensitivity of the design.  Pos Malaysia subsequently re-issued the entire set, including the Miniature Sheet, two weeks later on July 21, 2005, with a redesigned error-free version.

The 50 Sen Stamp: The original design featuring the artifact with the holy script was replaced entirely with a new design,  illustration of a Malay official and a Chinese merchants.

original & retracted

reprint

The Miniature Sheet (MS) : The original Miniature Sheet had to be redesigned. The Chinese official was replaced with a merchant.  The MS stamp had the coin “Matawang Zaman Kesultanan Melaka” with Quranic verse in Arabic was removed, left only 2 artifacts.

original & retracted

reprint