1. Malaysian Studies Chapter 2 / 3: The Struggle for Independence /
Formation of Malaysia (1)

2. Malaysia’s Struggle for Independence
446 year being ruled by others
But in all those years, we fought back:
Armed Opposition (1511-early 20th century)
Spirit of Nationalism / Negotiations
(early 20th century-1957)

3. Armed Opposition
Reflects the past generations’ readiness to sacrifice themselves to protect their country from foreign powers
Factors - exorbitant taxes, violation of Malay customs and religions of the local population, oppression

4. Some of the leaders of the opposition:
State
Leaders
Malacca
Sultan Mahmud
Naning
Penghulu Dol Said
Selangor
Raja Mahadi
Perak
Sultan Abdullah, Dato’ Maharaja Lela, Tok Sagor
Negri Sembilan
Tengku Antah
Pahang
Tok Gajah, Dato’ Bahaman
Terengganu
Haji Abd Rahman Limbung
Kelantan
Tok Janggut
Sabah
Mat Salleh, Antunam
Sarawak
Sharif Masahor, Rentap, Banting, Rosli Dhobi

5. Reference: Collins New English Dictionary
Spirit of Nationalism
Nationalism n, 1 a policy of national independence. 2 patriotism, sometimes to an excessive degree.
Reference: Collins New English Dictionary

6. Spirit of Nationalism
At the turn of the 20th Century, our struggle for independence received a renewed approach
This movement is more “peaceful” – no arms
Spirit of Nationalism - complete, organized, united, strong

7. What Started the Spirit of Nationalism?
Islam Reformist Movement in Middle East
Japan’s Victory against Russia, 1905
Turkish Modernization Movement
Indonesia’s Influence
The Bumiputera’s Economic State

8. The Impact Emergence of Political Parties – UMNO, MCA, MIC
People voicing out their plight with much force
The British government more aware of the people’s needs
Start of a total & comprehensive independence plan that takes everyone’s idea into consideration

9. …Continued from last week

10. Malayan Union to Federation of Malaya
July 1946 – Malayan Union dissolved
A new plan must be in place to replace Malayan Union
Dato’ Onn Jaafar, Edward Gent and the Malay Sultans draw up a new constitution
The Federation of Malaya or Persekutuan Tanah Melayu (PTM) proposed

11. Federation of Malaya
The constitution for the Federation of Malaya must be different from Malayan Union
3 key differences are:
Protection for the sovereignty and powers of the Malay Sultans
More stringent conditions for citizenship for non-Malays
Special rights for the Malays

12. Federation of Malaya
Opposition to the proposed constitution came from several parties, including:
All-Malaya Council of Joint Action (AMCJA)
Pusat Tenaga Rakyat (PUTERA)
Malayan Democratic Union (MDU)
Angkatan Pemuda Insaf (API)
Angkatan Wanita Sedar (AWAS)

13. Federation of Malaya AMCJA’s idea of the new constitution includes:
Include Singapore in PTM
Self rule through a Central Legislation body with members chosen by the people
Same citizenship rights for all

14. Federation of Malaya PUTERA’s idea of the new constitution includes:
The Malay language made the official language
External affairs and defense-joint responsibility between British and PTM
National flag to have Malay national colours
The word “Malay” to be used for Malayan citizenship

15. Federation of Malaya AMCJA and PUTERA joined forces
Proposed its’ own constitution – the “People’s Constitution”
Rejected by the British as it was radical
British preferred UMNO’s ideas as they take UMNO to be “pro-British”

16. Federation of Malaya 1 February 1948 Federation of Malaya established
9 Malay states + Malacca & Penang Island
Singapore not included
Malay Sultans’ right to rule returned
Conditions for citizenship more strict
Malay’s special rights recognized

17. Are We Free Yet?
PTM is only a tool for the British government to rule the country
Reasons?
No congruent unity between the different races
People are not experienced to rule their own country

18. Negotiations for Independence (I)
The British made a deal:
Without unity, independence will not be granted

19. Unity What’s wrong? Past history between races
British’s divide and conquer policy
How to improve on it?
Education
Inter-Ethnic Relations Committee
Member System (Sistem Ahli)

20. Elections Test-Runs Georgetown City Council, December 1951
Kuala Lumpur City Council, February 1952
Johore Bahru, Seremban, Ipoh & Malacca
Majority of the seats were won by the Alliance Party (UMNO, MCA)

21. 7 political parties + independent candidates
Elections
General Election
27 July 1955
Throughout Malaya
52 seats contested
7 political parties + independent candidates

22. There it is – PROOF OF UNITY!
Elections
Results
Alliance – 51
PAS – 1
National, PKP, PML, Labour, PPP, independent – 0
There it is – PROOF OF UNITY!

23. Negotiations for Independence (II)
February 1956
Tunku Abdul Rahman and a team of representatives went to London to discuss Malaya’s Independence
London Agreement signed

24. The Reid Commission wrote the Constitution of the Federation of Malaya
1956
The Reid Commission wrote the Constitution of the Federation of Malaya
131 written memorandum proposed after discussions with all of the people’s representatives

25. Came into effect on 27 August 1957
Federation of Malaya
Constitution accepted and approved by Federal Legislative Council on 15 August 1957
Came into effect on 27 August 1957
(details of the Constitution will be elaborated later in future lectures)

26. Proclamation of Independence
31 August 1957
Midnight – Union Jack brought down, the Federation of Malaya flag (now known as Jalur Gemilang) was flown
Dawn – official signing and declaration of Independence took place

27. Proclamation of Independence
And on that fateful day,
Tuanku Abdul Rahman – 1st YDPA
Tunku Abdul Rahman – 1st Prime Minister
Federation Cabinet Ministers
were announced