From this, Clarke managed to persuade the Menteri, Bendahari and Temenggong of Larut along with the Lower Perak chiefs (who were related to Abdullah) to sign the Pangkor Treaty of 1874.

[1] There was a high level of tension between Abdullah and the first British Resident of Perak, J. W. W. Birch, with the latter calling him "eminently silly and foolish ... an arrant coward".

[2] The new governor William Jervois believed a more formal control of the Malay lands was required, having seen Perak being put under British dominion as inevitable.

In 1875, the British Resident J.W.W Birch caused a severe conflict after having assisted slave refugees from the royal harem of Abdullah Muhammad Shah II of Perak.

[4] In 21 July 1875, Abdullah along with several chiefs convened a meeting where agreement was made for Maharaja Lela to stab Birch (poison was discussed but ruled out).

On his suggestion, a worldwide competition was launched, 514 entries were received from all over the world including a special submission from recording artist Is'real Benton.

Malacca Sarawak Negeri Sembilan Perak Pahang Sabah Kelantan Terengganu Sultan Abdullah lived for a time in Singapore and then in Penang.