Malaysian Studies

Chapter 2 / 3:The Struggle for Independence /

Formation of Malaysia (1)

Malaysia’s Struggle for Independence

446 year being ruled by othersBut in all those years, we fought back:

Armed Opposition (1511-early 20th century)Spirit of Nationalism / Negotiations

(early 20th century-1957)

Armed Opposition

Reflects the past generations’ readiness to sacrifice themselves to protect their country

from foreign powersFactors - exorbitant taxes, violation of Malay customs and religions of the local population,

oppression

State Leaders

Malacca Sultan Mahmud

Naning Penghulu Dol Said

Selangor Raja Mahadi

PerakSultan 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

Some of the leaders of the opposition:

Spirit of Nationalism

Nationalism n, 1 a policy of national independence. 2 patriotism, sometimes to an

excessive degree.

Reference: Collins New English Dictionary

Spirit of Nationalism

At the turn of the 20th Century, our struggle for independence received a renewed

approachThis movement is more “peaceful” – no armsSpirit of Nationalism - complete, organized,

united, strong

What Started the Spirit of Nationalism?

Islam Reformist Movement in Middle EastJapan’s Victory against Russia, 1905

Turkish Modernization MovementIndonesia’s Influence

The Bumiputera’s Economic State

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

…Continued from last week

Malayan Union to Federation of Malaya

July 1946 – Malayan Union dissolvedA new plan must be in place to replace

Malayan UnionDato’ Onn Jaafar, Edward Gent and the Malay

Sultans draw up a new constitutionThe Federation of Malaya or Persekutuan

Tanah Melayu (PTM) proposed

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 SultansMore stringent conditions for citizenship for

non-MalaysSpecial rights for the Malays

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)

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

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 coloursThe word “Malay” to be used for Malayan

citizenship

Federation of Malaya

AMCJA and PUTERA joined forcesProposed 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”

Federation of Malaya

1 February 1948Federation of Malaya established

9 Malay states + Malacca & Penang IslandSingapore not included

Malay Sultans’ right to rule returnedConditions for citizenship more strict

Malay’s special rights recognized

Are We Free Yet?

PTM is only a tool for the British government to rule the country

Reasons?No congruent unity between the different

racesPeople are not experienced to rule their own

country

Negotiations for Independence (I)

The British made a deal:

Without unity, independence will not be granted

Unity

What’s wrong?Past history between races

British’s divide and conquer policy

How to improve on it?Education

Inter-Ethnic Relations CommitteeMember System (Sistem Ahli)

Elections

Test-RunsGeorgetown City Council, December 1951Kuala Lumpur City Council, February 1952Johore Bahru, Seremban, Ipoh & Malacca

Majority of the seats were won by the Alliance Party (UMNO, MCA)

Elections

General Election27 July 1955

Throughout Malaya52 seats contested

7 political parties + independent candidates

Elections

ResultsAlliance – 51

PAS – 1National, PKP, PML, Labour, PPP, independent

– 0

There it is – PROOF OF UNITY!

Negotiations for Independence (II)

February 1956Tunku Abdul Rahman and a team of

representatives went to London to discuss Malaya’s Independence

London Agreement signed

Federation of Malaya

1956The Reid Commission wrote the Constitution

of the Federation of Malaya131 written memorandum proposed after

discussions with all of the people’s representatives

Federation of Malaya

Constitution accepted and approved by Federal Legislative Council on 15 August

1957Came into effect on 27 August 1957

(details of the Constitution will be elaborated later in future lectures)

Proclamation of Independence

31 August 1957Midnight – 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

Proclamation of Independence

And on that fateful day,Tuanku Abdul Rahman – 1st YDPA

Tunku Abdul Rahman – 1st Prime MinisterFederation Cabinet Ministers

were announced