The Introduction of the Malayan Union

SINGAPORE - A SEPARATE CROWN COLONY


The British put forward the Malayan Union in 1945. The Federated and Unfederated Malay States, Penang and Malacca were to be joined together to form the Malayan Union. Singapore was to remain a separate Crown Colony with its own governor. The British wanted to keep Singapore because it was an important naval base and port. Moreover, its population was mainly Chinese and they would outnumber the Malays in Malaya.


A CENTRALISED GOVERNMENT

The Malayan Union was to have a centralised government at Kuala Lumpur under a British Governor. The Governor would have full powers in the government. An Executive Council and a Legislative Council were to take over all matters of government. The Legislative Council would pass all laws. The consent of the Sultans would not be necessary.

The State Councils would remain, but they would only deal with matters sent to them by the central government. A British Resident Councilor would preside over the State Councils of each state.

The Sultans were to keep their positions and incomes, but would lose most of their powers. They were to become advisers only. They were to preside over a Malay Advisory Council in their States which would deal mainly with matters concerning the Muslim religion.


CITIZENSHIP

Citizenship was to be given:
(a) to all those born in the Malayan Union or Singapore.
(b) to immigrants who had been living in the Union or Singapore for 10 out of the 15 years.
(c) to future immigrants after 5 years of residence.
Equal rights including admission to the administrative services were to be given to all citizens. There was to be no discrimination of race or religion. The Malays therefore had to give up their special position and rights.