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MALAYSIAN STUDIES

MPW1133

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The Fight for Independence

TOPIC 3:

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The Rise of Nationalism by Race

MALAY NATIONALISM

CHINESE NATIONALISM

INDIAN NATIONALISM

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•Evolved in three stages:

MALAY NATIONALISM

Religious stage (1906-1926)

• Influenced by Islamic education

Socio-economic stage (1926-1938)

• Malay and English education

Political stage ((1936 onwards)

• Malay and English education

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Religious stageInfluenced by Islamic

Reformation Movement- Middle

East ( concept of Pan-Islam) (refer to slide

6)

Formed a group name as Kaum

Muda

Led by Sheikh Tahir Jalaluddin and Syed Sheikh Ahmad al-Hadi

Published several magazines such as Al-Imam, Al-

Ikhwan & Sauda)ra to their

ideology

They are fight for: (refer to slide 7

Opposed by Kaum Tua

Kaum Tua, consisted of the

elite Malay traditionalists and

ulama

Kaum Tua ideas more conservative

In end, after 1920s, the

movement taken over by more

secular groups

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Islamic Reformation Movement

•Started by Sheikh Muhammad Abduh and his supporters, the Al-Manar in Cairo.

•Championed the concept of Pan-Islam

•Also known as “ Renewal of Islam” or Wahabi Movement”

•Influenced the Malay students in cairo

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Reasons for fighting (Kaum Muda)

•Community development

•Advocated liberalization in religious education

•Fight for freedom of women

•Modernization

•Critized the weaknesses of government

•Demand for the necessity of renewal

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Socio-economic stage

More secular

Emphasis on socio-

economic status of Malays

Begin when, Malays realized they were left

behind in economic development &

politics

Started by elite group-

either English or Malay education

background

Formation of Kesatuan Melayu

Singapura- 1926

Role of association- make sure Malays were not excluded

from the benefits of modernization

program

Malay educated group formed Persaudaraan Sahabat Pena

( PASPAM)- 1934

PASPAM championed the socio-economic

restoration of Malays

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Political stageResulted of

pressure from other races and

the power transfer issues-

1920s

Political parties –majority

championed concept of Tanah

Melayu untuk Orang Melayu

Formed of Kesatuan

Melayu Muda (KMM)-1838

( more radical groups)

led by Ibrahim Yaakob

He spread the idea of gaining

independence by revolution.

Influenced by Indonesian

revolution - led by President

Sukarno.

KMM fought for independence of Malaya & unity with Indonesia- “Melayu Raya”

KMM’s fight not well received

The impact- lead to increasing

nationalist spirit- demand for

independence

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CHINESE NATIONALISM

The nationalism began since China- Japan war in 1894 -

1895.

Focused on the political struggles in

China

because they still had a

feeling that China was

their homeland.

Influenced by several

factors (refer to slide 11)

Chinese community

formed Malayan

Communist Party

launched rallies and strike in

Malaya in order to form a

republic communist of Malaya but

failed

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Influencer of Chinese Nationalism:

1. Influenced by Renewal Movement – initiated by Kang Yu Wei-1898

▫Aim to bring modernization in China▫Influenced those-especially among Chinese

in Perak and Selangor.2. Also influenced by Revolutionary

Movement▫ by Sun Yat Sen ▫ against cruelty of Manchu dynasty

3. Also influenced by Kuomintang party▫Kuomintang fought for the unity of China

and strengthen the country through industrialization and modernization.

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INDIAN NATIONALISM

Before Second World War

(SWW)- political strife focused more

in India

After SWW, Indian started focus to local

politics

Influenced by: (refer to slide

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Formation of parties looked after interests

of Indian in Malaya

Taiping Indian Association (April 1906) & Selangor Indian Association

(1923)

The associations

responsibilities: ( refer to slide

14)

Oct 1936- formation of

Central Indian Association of

Malaya ( CIAM)

Alliance of 12 Indian associations

& 4 Indian Chambers of Commerce

CIAM fought for progress an d

political rights of Indians in Malaya

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Influencer of Indian Nationalism:1. The anti-colonial activities among

Punjabi▫Influenced by Ghar Movement▫Publications on the movement were

distributed in Malay Peninsular

2. National Movement in India▫ Led by Mahatma Gandhi▫ Gandhi led Indian National congress and

conceived the philosophy of “Satyagraha” (non violence resistance against British

▫ Able to achieve independence in India- give hope to India community in Malaya

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Taiping Indian Association (April 1906) & Selangor Indian Association (1923)- Responsibilities:

•Improved the socio-economic status by:▫Building schools▫Health centers▫Starting Hindi language classes

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Nationalistic Ideas Spread through Newpapers & Magazines

AND

Associations Movement against the Colonial Powers

Refer to additional notes…

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MALAYAN UNIONBefore Malayan Union:

After Japanese surrendered- British tried to govern Malaya named British Military Administration (BMA).

BMA faced problem when their administration was disturbed by MPAJA

BMA was dissolved

British introduced new administration named Malayan Union

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Formation of Malayan Union

Malayan Union- a

new administrative system introduced

- 1946

Reasons of MU

formation (refer to slide 18)

Contents / Conditions

of MU: (refer to slide 19)

However, MU

encountered a massive resistance because of:

(refer to slide 20)

Discontent showed through

publications- Majlis & Utusan Melayu

Process of resistance in

Malaya (Refer to slide 21)

Malayan Union was abolished because of: (refer to slide

24)

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Reasons of MU formation

1. Unified administrative systems- for efficiency

2. To make Malaya stronger

3. To protect their own interest

4. To ensure future political stability.

Back

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Contents / Conditions of MU:

1. Singapore was to become a separate colony with its own governor.

2. Penang & Malacca joined the nine Malay states to form M.U - under governor with the help of executive council and legislative council.

3. Sultans were to keep authority over religious matters but would lose all other political powers.

4. Citizenship would no longer be restricted to natives under jus soli principle

5. State commissioner as leader of administration of each state-assisted by State Council that comprised of Malay leaders. Back

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Reasons of opposition:1. Abolishment of Sultan’s sovereignity

2. Granting of citizenship to non Malays based on jus soli principle

3. Malayan Union was formed without any input from the Malays

4. Harold MacMichael used force and intimidation to gain consent from Sultans.

▫ Sultans were not given enough time to consider and discuss the proposal with heads of state and the people of Malaya

Back

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Process of resistance:Early stages- Malays showed discontent through

publications

Over time, resistance become active & aggressive

Visible effort done Dato’’ Onn Jaafar, President of Johore Malay Association

He held conference with 41 Malay associations at Sultan Sulaiman Club, Kuala Lumpur 1 March to 4

March 1946

Resulted Congress agreed to boycott the launch of Malayan Union

Boycott done by- Sultans were urged not to attend the ceremony to appoint the Governor & mourned for 1 week by wearing a white

band on their songkok

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Process of resistance (continue…)Resistance become more aggressive and instensified with

demonstrations in main town- Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Alor Setar,

The conference also resulted United Malay National Organization ( UMNO)

Officially formed- 11th May 1946

First president- Dato’ Onn Jaafar

Besides that, non Malays also opposed the ideas of Malayan Union through Malayan Democratic Union

(MDU)

The reason: MU did not offer any benefits to them and Singapore was not a part of MU

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Process of resistance (continue…)

With all sort of resistance, MU still implemented on 1 April 1946 with Sir Edward Gent as the 1st Governor

Because of overwhelming opposition- Sir Edward Gent forced to negotiate with Malay Sultans and Dato’s Onn

Jaafar

Lastly, Malayan Union was abolished and replaced by Federated States of Malaya

Back

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Factors of failure of Malayan Union:

1. Massive opposition by Malays and the rise of nationalist spirit amongst them

2. Ex-British officers such Frank Swettenham, R.O Windstedt and George Maxwell expressed their disapproval through newspaper in London.

Back

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THE FEDERATED STATES OF MALAYA

A committee formed to

draft a new constitution of Malaya

Members- four Malay

Sultans, Two from UMNO, Six British

officers

chaired by former head of secretary

of MU

1st draft published on

December 1946

Non-Malay disapproved

the draft

Non-Malay formed All-

Malaya Council of Joint

Action( AMCJA)- Dec 1946 (refer

to slide 26)

Left-wing Malays opposed the draft- PUTERA ( refer

to slide 28)

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THE FEDERATED STATES OF MALAYAAMCJA and

PUTERA cooperate demanded to include the

proposals but British ignored their demands

Resulted PUTERA-

AMCJA civil disobedience

strikes

Cause realized the

importance of non-Malay reaction

Consultative Committee

formed

Consisted of British

officers and non-Malay

In the end, Federated States of Malaya existed- on 21 February 1948

The proposals included in the constitution: (refer to

slide 30)

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All- Malaya Council of Joint Action( AMCJA)-

•Led by Tan Cheng Lock•Combination of MDU, MIC, Liga Belia

Demokrasi Baru Tanah Melayu and a few workers’ union

•They made 6 proposals:a) Singapore be united with Malaya

b) The formation of a central legislature whose members elected by the people

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c) Equal rights for all people lived in Malay Peninsula

d) Malays to have authority over Malay customs and Islamic matters

e) Malays be given special priority so that they would have the opportunity to make rapid economic progress

Back

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Pusat Tenaga Rakyat (PUTERA)

•Left- wing Malays

•More radical ideologies

•Members- PKMM, API, AWAS

•Made four proposals:a) Bahasa Melayu as official language

b) Matters of foreign relations and defence should be shouldered by both Malaya and British government

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c) All citizens who lived in Malay Peninsula be known as ‘Melayu’

d) The national flags to contain the national colors of the Malays

Back

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The proposals of Federated States of Malaya:

1. 9 Malay states, Penang and Melaka unified under federation. Singapore is to be a separate Crown Colony under British control

2. The FSM led by British High Commissioner- appointed by British government, assisted by Federal Legislative Council and Federal Council

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3. The federal council consisted of:i. A High Commissionerii. Three ex officioiii. 9 residents of various State Councils &

two representatives from local council of Penang and Melaka

4. The authority of Sultan restored- given back the power to oversee their own states with the counsel of the State Council and State Executive Council

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5. The state government was to be given control on matters of health, education, land and agriculture

6. The conditions for citizenship were tightened▫ An applicant must have been:

Born and reside in Malaya from at least 8-12 years

Reside for 15- 20 years The min age 18 years old Must have good command of Bahasa Melayu

7. Malays were given special rights as the indigenous people

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MAIN POLITICAL PARTIES

1. United Malays National Organization (UMNO)

2. The Malayan Indian Congress (MIC)

3. The Malayan Chinese Association ( MCA)

4. The Alliance Party

5. Independence of Malaya Party (IMP)

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United Malays National Organization (UMNO)

•Founded 11 May 1946•Led by Dato’ Onn Jaafar (until 1951)•Reasons for formation:

▫Oppose MU▫Unite Malays and defend the special rights

of Malays

•Slogan used “ Hidup Melayu”•A political party•Constitution approved on 19 May 1946

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•Until 1951-39 divisions of UMNO formed.

•Two main divisions- UMNO Youth and Women’s Wing

•Emerged as strongest party-represented Malays and played central role in demanding independence of Malaya

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The Malayan Indian Congress (MIC)

• Formed- 8 August 1946

• First president- John A. Thivy

• Reasons for formation:▫Protect the political, economic and social interests of

Indian community in Malaya▫Fight for political rights for the whole of Malaya▫Represent Indian community

• Entered alliance with UMNO and MCA in April 1955

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The Malayan Chinese Association (MCA)

• Formed on 27 February 1949

• First president- Tun Tan Cheng Lock

• Purposes:▫Protect the rights of Chinese▫Maintain harmony amongst various races in the

country• At first was only a welfare center

• 1952- officially become a political party

• 1952- formed alliance with UMNO

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Alliance Party

•1952- Malayan General Elections in Kuala Lumpur- cause UMNO and MCA decided to work together

•The alliance won 9 out of 12 seats contested.

•Formed in 1955 by Tunku Abdul Rahman and Tan Cheng Lock and sooner MIC decided to join

•This showed the cooperation between 3 main ethnics in Malay Peninsula

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•1955- Malayan General Elections- won 51 out 52 seats.

•The victory was a signal of national unity among various ethnic groups and proof locals ready to rule their own country

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Independence of Malaya Party (IMP)

•Formed after Dato’ Onn Jaafar left UMNO.

•The formation serve with purpose the cooperation between races could form the basis for the creation of a single party.

•Membership opened to all races

•Objective: obtaining independence in 10 years

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INDEPENDCE NEGOTIATIONSAlliance Party’s

victory in general election (1955)-

paved way to self-government

Jan 1956- Tunku Abdul Rahman

led an entourage to London

Purpose: negotiate for independence

Comprised of 4 Sultans and 4

member of Alliance Party

Resulted- London

Agreement signed on 8

February 1956

According to agreement- FSM given

independence on 31

August 1957

Reid Commission formed (refer to slide 43)

Malaya granted independence on 31 August

1957

Tunku Abdul Rahman as the

first prime minister

The Yamtuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku

Abdul Rahman as first Yang di Pertuan Agong

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Reid Commission •Led by Lord Reid

•Members included Ivor Jennings, William Mackell B. Malik and Halim Abdul Hamid

•Purpose: drew up constitution that set up a new democratic & unified Malaya with a firm government - had to consider the right of Malays, non-Malays & the Sultans

•131 memorandums were received from individuals & various organizations

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•The constitution was drafted and approved by Federal Legislative Council on 15 August 1957 and put into effect on 27 August 1957.

•Characteristics of Constitution:1. Political system- based on Constitutional

Monarchy. 2. The head of government was to be the

Prime Minister- elected from House of Representatives

3. The federation would be a democratic parliament. The parliament consisted of members of House of Representatives and Senate

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4. Conditions for citizenship refined:

1.Citizenship give to those born in Malay Peninsular after independence

2.Given to those above 18 years old, born in Malaya and who had lived for 5 years in the country

3. Given to those above 21 years old, even they had been born elsewhere as long as lived in Malaya at least 8 years & proficient in Bahasa Melayu

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5. Bahasa Melayu- national language

6. Islam as official religion but freedom of religion would be allowed

Back

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Thank you for your attention & Have a wonderful day!

See you in the next lesson…