THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE

The Struggle for Nationalism Before the 20th century much of the opposition against the colonialists took the form of bloody struggle. By the 20th century, the people fight for independence using the mind and words through organizations and mass media rather than arms and force.

MALAYAN UNION On 10 October 1945, British Parliament create Malayan Union The main objective of the British in introducing Malayan Union was to ensure that the economic interests of British in Malaya were protected.

Features of Malayan Union Made up of 9 Malay states including Penang and Malacca The British Governor was the chief administrator, with its centre in Kuala Lumpur. The Malay rulers only advised the Governor, while their power as rulers of their own states was wiped off. The State Council was retained for purpose of managing local government but was still subjected to control by the central government. The Malayan Union did not involve Singapore. Citizenship was based on the principle of jus soli. Equal rights for all citizens regardless of race or origin.

Jus soli Malayan citizenship was obtained if: The foreigner was 18 and above, and had resided in Malaya for 10 out of a period of 15 years before 15 February 1942 A person who was born in Malaya after the forming of the Malayan Union.

The Malays opposed the Malayan Union for number of reasons namely: The granting of citizenship to the non-Malays Erosion of Malay rulers’ power and sovereignty MacMichael’s threats in getting the rulers to sign the agreement.

The failure of the Malayan Union Strong opposition from the Malays No strong support from non Malays Wrong timing Wrong introduction Opposition from former British administrators in Malaya.

FEDERATION OF MALAYA The British Government finally agreed to replace the Malayan Union with a new for of government known as the Federation of Malaya. After the dissolution of Malayan Union, the British Government appointed on 25 July 1946, a working committee to draw up a new constitution to replace that of the Malayan Union.

The proposal from new committee: Protection for the sovereignty and powers of the Malay rulers More stringent conditions for citizenship for non Malays Special rights for the Malays

Opposition from AMCJA Non Malays in particular the members of the Malayan Democratic Union (MDU) criticized and objected to the Working Committee as it did not include any non Malays. 22 December 1946, the non Malays communities established the All Malaya Council of Joint Action (AMCJA) to apposed the new proposal

Opposition from AMCJA Tan Cheng Lock led the AMCJA and fought on the following 3 principles: Unification of the whole of Malaya (including Singapore) Self rule through a Central Legislation body with members chosen by the people Same citizenship rights for all who consider Malaya their homeland deserving of their allegiance.

Opposition from PUTERA Not all the Malays were members of UMNO PUTERA was formed by other parties such as API, PKMM and AWAS. PUTERA as a radical Malay Party, was much influenced by the Malayan Communist Party PUTERA nursed the ambition of making Malaya a republic and criticized UMNO leadership.

Opposition from PUTERA PUTERA fought on 4 principles: The Malay language be made the country’s official language External affairs and defense be made the joint responsibility of the Malayan Government and the British The word “Malay” be used as the name for Malayan citizenship The national flag to have Malay national colors

AMCJA-PUTERA front In March 1947, AMCJA amalgamated with PUTERA under the leadership of DR Burhanuddin Al-Helmi. To oppose the establishment of the Federation of Malaya

Formation Of the Federation of Malaya On 1 February 1948 the federation of Malaya was established. Recognized by UMNO The federation of Malaya consist of British High Commissioner as head, comprised 9 Malay states together with Malacca and Penang Island. The Legislative Council and the Federal Executive Council assisted the High Commissioner in the administration while the Malay rulers were returned their rights over their own states.

The move towards Independence The British aim in establishing the Federation of Malaya was to run the country. Racial unity was necessary before the country could be given independence.

Problem of Unity Due to the diversity of origin, culture, language and religion. Every community wanted its mother tongue to be made the national language Worried when the Malays wanted Islam to be made the official religion. Non Malays who were born in Malaya demanded they be granted citizenship.

Problem of Unity The Malays claimed the cause of problem was not just the behavior of communities, but also the result of British divide and rule policy. The British government tried to overcome the problems through the education system.