Part 7/12:
Historical records show that interracial marriages among Europeans and locals were rare and potentially frowned upon. The social clubs and exclusive gatherings of the colonial elite seldom allowed non-Europeans, and interracial couples often faced societal disapproval. European women in Malaya were scarce; most arrived already in relationships, further highlighting the unusual nature of Robert’s union.
Despite societal pressures, Robert’s decisions to marry locally and perhaps stay in Malaya may have been driven by love, opportunity, or pragmatic reasons. The narrative suggests that Robert might have been less influenced by racial prejudices than by personal affection and his own social circumstances.