The economy of Selangor has become important enough to the prosperity of the Straits Settlements that any disturbance in this state will hurt the Straits Settlement itself.

Therefore, the British feel they need to have a say in Selangor politics.

One major disturbance, amounting to a civil war, is the Klang War, which begins in 1867.

Before the sultan had appointed Raja Abdullah bin Raja Jaafar as Klang's administrator, Raja Mahadi's father, Raja Sulaiman, had been Klang's head.

In 1866, Raja Abdullah had leased Klang to two traders from the Straits Settlements; William Henry Macleod Read and Tan Kim Ching.

Among the benefits of being a renter is tax collection.

When the two traders go out to collect tax, Raja Mahadi bin Raja Sulaiman had taken offense.

Given his standing within the Malay communities, he has refused to pay tax to foreigners.

Sultan Muhammad had died in 1857 and had been replaced by Sultan Abdul Samad.

With sympathy from the new royal family of Selangor, Raja Mahadi has begun to challenge Raja Abdullah's authority in Klang.

The royal court considers Raja Abdullah, who is from Riau instead of Selangor, as an outsider.

On Raja Abdullah's side is his son, Raja Ismail.

The Chinese laborers are divided between the two camps.

Sir Harry Ord, now perceived as incompetent by the Colonial Office in London, is replaced in 1873 by Sir Andrew Clarke, who is ordered to get a complete picture of what is happening in the Malay states and recommend how to streamline British administration in Malaya.

London is increasingly aware that the Straits Settlements are increasingly dependent on the economy of the Malay states, including Perak.

After Clarke's arrival in Singapore, many British traders, including Read, became close to the governor.

Through Read, Clarke learns of Raja Abdullah's problem and his willingness to accept a British representative in his court if the British assist the once heir-apparent.