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

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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 colours The word “Malay” to be used for Malayan citizenship

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”

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

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

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 Committee Member System (Sistem Ahli)

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)

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

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!

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

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

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)

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

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