By the 20 th century, many changes had resulted from people’s fight for independence, from their struggle for nationalism (except during the period of Japanese occupation and the emergency). Organization and the mass media were used in the struggle. External influence as well as the education received by the citizens were the primary factors that created a conscious need among the people to fight for independence using the mind and words rather than arms and force. The emergence of Malay intellectuals encouraged a struggle using diplomacy that was supported by a heightened spirit of nationalism. It was apparent at that time that there had emerged an awareness that independence could be achieved not only through uprisings and fighting, but also through negotiations and stirring the people’s spirit of nationalism.

Although in some colonized countries the struggle for independence had the characteristic of armed struggle, as in Indonesia and the Philippines, it was not so obvious in Malaysia. The people in the country preferred to use associations and the mass media as channels to express their dissatisfaction to their colonial masters. This spirit grew stronger when Japanese overran the country and proclaimed their slogan of ‘Asia for Asians”. At the same time, a few members of the young Malays Union ( Kesatuan Melayu Muda- KMM ), as an organization of young radicals, who had been imprisoned by the British and released. KMM was revived under the leadership of Ibrahim Yaacob. The struggle through the spirit of nationalism continued even after Japan was defeated in the Second World War and the British had returned to Malaya.

Outside influenceJapan(turkey) Egypt Indonesia In 1905 the Japanese succeeded in defeating Russia Young Turkish Movement led by Mustapha Kamal Indonesia. Movement for revival of Islam in Egypt Indonesia nationalist struggle against Holland

Mass MediaAl-Iman Saudara Warta Malaya Utusan Melayu Newspaper for young community. Main leader was Syed Sheikh al- Hadi. Newspaper that called for struggle of the young community and appealed to the Malays to improve. Its main leader Syed Syeikh al- Hadi. Newspaper that created awareness among the Malays and criticized the British policies. Newspaper that became a symbol of Malay unity, fanned the spirit of nationalism among the Malays. The primary leaders were Abdul Rahim Kajai and Ishak Haji Muhammad.

Warta sarawak Newspaper that raised the spirit of nationalism among the Malay society in Sarawak. Urged the British government to improve the standard of living of the Malays

OrganizationsSingapore Malays Union Selangor Malays Union Perak Malays Union Formed in 1926 with the aim to encourage Malays to be involved in the government. Formed in 1938 with the primary aim to force the British to increase Malay participation in the administration and to improve the economic, political, and social of the Malays. Formed in 1937 with the aim to improve the economic status and education of Malays.

Peninsular Malays Union A Union in every state Persaudaraan Sahabat Pena Melayu Formed in Was not well received because the spirit for the state was stronger. Pahang Malay Union, Negri Sembilan Malay Union and Kelantan Malay Union, struggle for the development and interests of the Malays. established by writers. This union was nationalistic character.

Kesatuan Melayu Muda Formed in 1938 with Ibrahim Yaacob as pioneer. Majority of its members were students of the Sultan Idris Teachers’ College. Fought for Malay interests and the integration of Malaya with Indonesia under the concept of the Melayu Raya. A radical union.