THE FORMATION OF MALAYSIA

THE FORMATION OF MALAYSIA

By 1961 the Federation of Malaya had been independent for four years. Malaya had a stable government and there was economic and social progress. Singapore had obtained full internal self-government since 1959, but its foreign affairs and defence were still controlled by Britain.
British North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak had been British Crown Colonies since 1946. There was little economic and political progress in these two states. Meanwhile Brunei was ruled by its Sultan with British protection.
Then in 1961 a merger between Malaya, Singapore, Brunei, Sarawak and North Borneo was proposed.




PROPOSALS FOR MALAYSIA


REASONS FOR THE PROPOSALS


THE PAP GOVERNMENT AND A MERGER WITH MALAYA

The People’s Action Party (PAP) government in Singapore had been anxious for a merger with Malaya since 1959.
There were many Communists working against the government. Britain was afraid the Communists or any foreign enemies. The PAP government thus found it difficult to obtain full independence for Singapore as long as there was a Communist threat to take over the government.
Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and his government realized that a merger with Malaya was the only way Singapore could hope to get full independence early. It would benefit both countries economically as they were linked together historically, geographically and economically.
A merger would also help to prevent the Communists from taking over Singapore. A central government would then be able to keep the Communists under control.




THE MALAYAN GOVERNMENT WAS AGAINST MERGER

At first Tengku Abdul Rahman and the Malayan government did not want a merge. This was because the people in Singapore were mainly Chinese. If Singapore united with Malaya the Chinese would outnumber the Malays. The Chinese would then become the main political power.
Moreover, the Malayan government regarded Singapore as a centre of Chinese Communist activities. The Malayan government was afraid that if they united, Communist activities would spread to Malaya from Singapore. The PAP government stated that a merger would not lead to Chinese control in the country. Instead, it would prevent the Communists from taking over Malaya. But the Malayan government was still not keen on a merger.




THE COMMUNIST THREAT

However, Malaya’s attitude against a merger changed. The Communist supporters had broken away from the PAP in 1961. They did so because they were afraid that a merger would weaken their political position. They formed the Barisan Socialis (the Socialist Front) which became a strong opposition party against the government. It seemed likely that the Barisan Socialis might take control of Singapore at the next elections. This made the Malayan government realize that a merger would benefit both sides.
The Tengku realized that the PAP government under Mr. Lee would be better and safer than the threat of a Communist Singapore. The security of Malaya depended to some extent on Singapore. Should Singapore be taken over by the Communists, it could become a danger to Malaya. A merger, however, would enable the central government to check the danger of Communists seizing power in Singapore.



THE MALAYSIAN PLAN PROPOSED

The Tengku put forward the idea of a “Malaysia Plan” during the meeting of the Foreign Correspondents’ Association of Southeast Asia in Singapore on 27th May 1961. He declared that Malaya could not stand alone and proposed a federation of Singapore, North Borneo, Sarawak, Brunei and Malaya.
North Borneo, Sarawak and Brunei still depended on the British to run their countries. Thus they would not be strong enough to stand alone. North Borneo and Sarawak would have little chance to get their independence early. If these territories agreed to the Malaysia Plan they would get their independence early. Political and economic cooperation between all the territories would be brought closer together. The more developed states would be able to help the backward states. The living standard of the people would rise.
The Malayan government wanted the Borneo territories to join the merger. If they did the Chinese would not outnumber the Malays. The two racial groups would balance each other. Moreover, the new government of Malaysia would check Communist activities in the Borneo territories.




REACTIONS TO THE PROPOSALS



BRITAIN

The British government knew that it had to give independent to Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak sooner or later. It realized that the Malaysia Plan would give these territories independence, security, prosperity and democracy. Britain would also be able to continue to maintain the defence of these areas. Britain therefore welcomed the proposals.


SINGAPORE

Mr. Lee and his government welcomed the proposals. However, the Barisan Socialis and other opposition parties opposed them. The Singapore Communists wanted Singapore to remain as a separate country. In this way they hoped to make Singapore a centre of Communism in Southeast Asia.
However, the majority of the people in both Singapore and Malaya were favour of Malaysia. Several meetings were then held to discuss the terms on which a merger between them could be achieved.




THE BORNEO TERRITORIES

During the Second World War North Borneo suffered a great deal of destruction. It still depended on the British government to rule the country and restore its economy. There was no political progress and no system of elections.


SARAWAK

Sarawak had also suffered during the war. After the war the British government had concentrated on restoring its economic and social progress. Sarawak had more political progress than North Borneo. However, it had only held its first elections to the district councils in December 1959. Moreover, the 24 elected members of the Council Negri of 45 were chosen by the five divisional councils, not by direct elections. Thus political progress in Sarawak was still low.



BRUNEI

Brunei was the richest among the three Borneo states. The Sultan of Brunei was in favour of the Malaysia Plan but the most important political party in his government was against it. The party was more interested in an association of Brunei, British North Borneo and Sarawak.




THE MALAYSIA SOLIDARITY CONSULATITIVE COMMITTEE



THE PURPOSE OF THE COMMITTEE

In July 1961 a regional conference of a Commonwealth Parliamentary Association was held. After this a Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee was set up. It consisted of representatives from Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo. Brunei was allowed to send five observers to the Committee. The Committee’s main purposes were:

(a) to collect and compare carefully views and opinions concerning the formation of Malaysia in the territories concerned.
(b) to spread information about the Malaysia Plan.
(c) to begin and encourage discussions on Malaysia.
(d) to encourage activities that would help bring about the formation of Malaysia.



THE FINDINGS OF THE COMMITTEE

The committee met four times to discuss the prospects of the Malaysia Plan. It held its first meeting at Jesselton (Kota Kinabalu) in August 1961.
Some of the Borneo representatives were against Malaysia. They were afraid that the Tengku’s plan for Malaysia would bring their territories under Malay control. They did not want to exchange British colonial rule for Malay rule. A few of them wanted their territories to become independent first before uniting with Malaya and Singapore.
The Governors of North Borneo and Sarawak, and the High Commissioner of Brunei also advised that the three Borneo states should establish closer relationship before joining Malaya and Singapore.



POLITICAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE BORNEO STATES



BRITISH NORTH BORNEO

The introduction of the Malaysia Plan caused political parties to grow up in North Borneo by the end of 1961. Among them was the United National Kadazan Organisation (KDZO) which represented North Borneo’s largest racial group. It was led by Mr. Donald Stephens.
At first Mr. Stephens was against Malaysia. Later he realized that Malaysia would give his state the chance of getting independence early. North Borneo would also get security, economic and social progress, and political stability. The UNKO thus became in favour of Malaysia.
Gradually the other parties in North Borneo began to favour the Malaysia Plan. Finally all the parties in North Borneo united to form the Sabah Alliance. The Sabah Alliance became the only political party in North Borneo. It was led by Mr. Stephens. Its main aim was to bring about the formation of Malaysia.



SARAWAK

There was more political progress in Sarawak. The Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) was the first political party in Sarawak. It was founded in 1959. It was also the best organized. Most of its members were Chinese with some Communist ideals. The party was against the Malaysia Plan. The newly formed Sarawak National Party (SNAP) was also against Malaysia.
The Party Negara Sarawak (PANAS) which consisted mainly of Malays supported Malaysia. But it wanted Sarawak to join Malaysia as a separate unit only after the colony had become independent. Another party, the Barisan Rakyat Jati Sarawak (BARJASA), consisted of Malays and Ibans. It was against Communism. However, it had not made up its decision on the Malaysia Plan.



THE PEOPLE AGREED TO THE MALAYSIA PLAN

The Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee helped greatly to change the minds of the territories concerned. It helped to obtain the people’s agreement to the Malaysia Plan. This was mainly due to its Chairman, Mr. Donald Stephens. As a result the Sarawak Alliance was formed to bring about the formation of Malaysia.




EARLY NEGOTIATIONS


THE SINGAPORE WHITE PAPER OF 1961

Meanwhile discussions were held between the Singapore and Malayan governments. Their agreement for a merger was published as a Singapore White Paper on 15th November 1961. It was then approved by the Singapore government.
Singapore would become a state within Malaysia. It was to have 15 representatives to the Federal House of Representatives and two to the Senate. The Singapore government was allowed to retain control of labour and education. It would also be given more powers than any of the other states of Malaysia.


OPPOSITION IN SINGAPORE

There was opposition, especially from the Barisan Socialis. It was afraid of Federal control over internal security. Its activities would be suppressed. But finally the majority of the people was in favour of Malaysia.


BRITAIN APPROVED THE MALAYSIA PLAN

The Malayan government then obtained approval for the Malaysia Plan from the British government in November 1961. They agreed to set up a Commission to make certain the views of the people of North Borneo and Sarawak before any final decision was made. The views of the Sultan of Brunei were also to be sought. If Malaysia was formed the Defence Agreement between Malaya and Britain would also be given to the other new states. Britain was to be allowed to maintain military bases in Singapore.



THE COBBOLD COMMISSION


THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRT APPOINTED

In January 1962 the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee met for the 3rd time in Kuala Lumpur. At the same time the British government appointed a Commission of Inquiry to North Borneo and Sarawak to fid out the views of the people on the formation of Malaysia.
Lord Cobbold, a former governor of the Bank of England, was appointed the Chairman of the Commission. The Commission also consisted of two other members nominated by Britain and another two by Malaya. The two Malayan members were Dato Wong Pow Nee and Tan Sri Muhammad Ghazalie bin Shafie.


WORK OF THE COBBOLD COMMISSION

Papers were issued to explain to the people the purpose of the Commission and the principles of the Malaysia Plan. The Commission then stated its work from 20th February 1962 to 18th April 1962. They were
(a) to make certain the views of the people of British North Borneo and Sarawak.
(b) to prepare a new Constitution based on the findings of the Commission.
The Commission carried out its work well. It traveled widely throughout the two territories and thoroughly consulted public opinion. It interviewed over 4000 people and received 2200 letters from town boards, district councils, trade unions, religious, political and community leaders, and native chiefs.
Through its work the Commission found that some of the political parties and people were still against Malaysia. This was because the thought their lands would be made colonies of Malaya. The Commission and the Malayan government then assured them that Malaya had no wish to colonize them.
The Cobbold Commission completed its report in June 1962. It reported that the people were unanimously in favour of Malaysia.



THE REPORT ACCEPTED

Talks began between the British and the Malayan governments in London. On 1st August they accepted the Commission’s Report and agreed that Malaysia should be formed by 31st August 1963. Britain would give independence to Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo on that day.



THE INTER-GOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE


RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE COBBOLD COMMISSION

An Inter-Governmental Committee was to be set up to work out a new system of government for North Borneo and Sarawak. It was also to work out ways of safeguarding the special interests of the two territories. These were brought about by the great differences in development between eastern and western Malaysia. North Borneo and Sarawak were politically, economically and socially backward.
The development in education was slow. Universities and other institutions of higher learning and the research centres were all in the west. Moreover, the two Borneo territories opposed Islam as the state religion and Malay as the sole official language. The people of these territories wanted their special position as the indigenous people of Borneo to be recognized. They also wanted protection against immigration, especially the Chinese, into their territories.


THE LANSDOWNE COMMITTEE AND ITS WORK

An Inter-Governmental Committee was therefore set up. The Chairman was Lord Lansdowne, the British Minister of State for Colonial Affairs. Tun Abdul Razak, the Deputy Prime Minister of Malaya, was Vice-Chairman. They visited North Borneo and Sarawak to learn more about the people and their problems. They also explained the purpose of the Committee.
In September 1962 the North Borneo Legislative Council and the Sarawak Council Negeri unanimously approved the formation of Malaysia. The Lansdowne Committee published its report in February 1963.
The demands of North Borneo and Sarawak were settled. Their special position would be safeguarded. Immigration would be controlled. There would be no state religion in both states. It was agreed that Malay would be made the national language, but English would remain an official language. North Borneo and Sarawak would have the largest number of representatives in the Malaysia Parliament.




THE SINGAPORE REFERENDUM

Meanwhile in Singapore, the Barisan Socialis was still against the Malaysia Plan. It stated that the Malaysia Plan was a plot to persevere British control in Southeast Asia. The Singapore government decided to put the Malaysia Plan to a direct vote of the citizens.
The voters were allowed to make one of the three choices. They could choose A : merger on the terms of the White Paper: or B : merger as one of the states in the Federation of Malaya; or C : merger on the same terms as the Borneo territories. Blank votes would be taken as votes accepting the government’s decision.
The referendum was held in September 1962. Ninety percent of the voters voted. Seventy-one per cent voted in favour of the Malaysia Plan. Twenty-five per cent were blank votes. This was great defeat for the Communists in Singapore. The Singapore government could now go ahead with its plan for a merger.



THE BRUNEI REVOLT

Brunei had sent observers to the meetings of the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee. The Sultan of Brunei was very interested in the Malaysia Plan. In fact he was in favour of joining it. However, Brunei’s main political party, Party Rakyat, led by Ahmad Azahari was against the Malaysia Plan. He wanted a federation was against the Malaysian Plan. He wanted a federation of the three Borneo states which aimed at independence.
Azahari obtained support from the government of the Philippines and Indonesia, and also the Indonesian Communist Party. On 7th December 1962 Azahari’s followers started a revolt in Brunei. Azahari, who was then, in Manila declared himself Prime Minister of the state of Kalimantan Utara (Northern Borneo). The Sulatan asked for British help so troops were sent from Singapore. They quickly suppressed the revolt.
In spite of the revolt, the Sultan of Brunei was still willing to join Malaysia. But before the Malaysia Agreement was signed he decided not to join Malaysia. Talks broke down over the question of taxation of Brunei’s oil revenue and the right to a senior place among the Malay Rulers


THE MALAYSIA AGREEMENT – JULY 1963


THE MALAYSIA AGREEMENT SIGNED

The Brunei revolt made the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee more determined to see Malaysia formed by 31st August 1963. Meanwhile the Inter-Governmental Committee had published its report and was accepted by Sarawak and North Borneo.
In July 1963 the leaders of all the territories concerned met in London. On 9th July 1963 they signed the Malaysia Agreement. This was the final step in the negotiations towards the establishment of Malaysia.


MALAYSIA TO BE FORMED

By the agreement, the colonies of Sarawak and North Borneo, the state of Singapore and the states of Malaya were to be united to form “Malaysia”. Britain was to give up its sovereignty in Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo. Britain and Malaya were to help bring Malaysia into being on 31st August 1963. New constitutions were to be given to Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak.


THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE

The Immigration Ordinance 1959 of the Federation of Malaya was to be given to the other states in Malaysia. Large numbers of people from the densely populated areas of Singapore and Malaya were not to be allowed to emigrate to the sparsely populated areas of North Borneo and Sarawak.


THE DEFENCE AGREEMENT

The Defence Agreement of 1957 between Britain and the Federation of Malaya was to be given to the other states. Britain was to maintain its defence bases in Singapore. Britain was to use them to help defend Malaysia and the Commonwealth and to preserve peace in Southeast Asia.
An agreement was to be made between Malaya and Singapore for the setting up of a Malaysian Common Market.



OPPOSITION TO MALAYSIA

The new federation of Malaysia would bring an end to British colonialism in Southeast Asia. It would also preserve the security and welfare of the region. Therefore it was felt that the neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia would welcome Malaysia. However, Indonesia and the Philippines were against Malaysia.


OPPOSITION FROM INDONESIA

Indonesia was at first not against the Malaysia Plan. However, the Indonesian government under the influence of the Communist Party began to oppose the plan. The Party was against Malaysia because it claimed that
(a) Malaysia was a plan to preserve British power in Southeast Asia
(b) Malaysia planned to take over Sumatera.
(c) Malaysia would be weak. It would come under the Chinese and then under Communist rule.
(d) North Borneo and Sarawak were being forced to join Malaysia against the wishes of the people.

It was felt that President Soekarno and his Indonesian government were afraid of the effects upon his people, of the differences between and their economy which was breaking down. So they refused to accept Malaysia.


OPPOSITION FROM THE PHILIPPINES

Meanwhile President Macapagal of the Philippines said Malaysia was a new colonial power. The Philippines thought that the Malaysia Plan would be a failure so the government claimed the sovereignty of British North Borneo.
The Philippines stated that North Borneo had not really been ceded by the Sultan of Sulu. Sulu is now part of the Philippines. So North Borneo now belonged to the Philippines. However, the Philippines could not give any proof for their claim.



CONFRONTATION BEGAN

By January 1963 President Soekarno had started a “Confrontation” against the Tengku and the British government. Indonesian forces began to attack Malayan boats in the Straits of Malacca. Trade between the two countries eventually ended.
Indonesian guerillas went into Sarawak. They began terrorist activities with the help of an underground Chinese Communist organization in Sarawak. The Malayan government took steps to strengthen its defences. British and Malayan troops were sent to Sarawak and British North Borneo.



THE TOKYO SUMMIT MEETING

Tengku Abdul Rahman wanted to settle their disagreements peacefully. He then agreed to meet President Soekarno at a conference in Tokyo in May 1963. On the way Tengku stopped at Manila for talks with President Macapagal. The talks were successful. The Tengku then continued his journey to Tokyo.
At the Tokyo Summit Meeting the Tengku tried to convince President Soekarno that Malaysia was not a danger to Indonesia. They agreed to end the fighting and bitter remarks against each other. They also re-strengthened their friendship. However, there was still tension. After the Malaysia Agreement was signed, President Soekarno continued to oppose Malaysia. He also began the confrontation again.


THE MANILA SUMMIT MEETING

Further steps were then taken to end the tension between Malaya, Indonesia and the Philippines. Finally in April 1963 the Tengku, Prsident Soekarno and Prseident Macapagal held a meeting at Manila. At the meeting the Philippines and Indonesia agreed to end their opposition to the Malaysia Plan.
A United Nations Team was to be sent to North Borneo and Sarawak to find out whether the people were in favour of Malaysia. If they were, Indonesia and the Philippines would recognize Malaysia. The United Nations Team was also to check the work of the Cobbold Commission.
Malaya, Indonesia and the Philippines were to send observers to see the work of the United Nations Team. Malaya agreed to postpone the date for the formation of Malaysia until the UN Team completed its work. They also proposed to set up an association of the three countries called “Maphilindo”. It was to preserve the peace and security of the region.



MALAYSIA

THE WORK OF THE UN TEAM

The United Nations Team arrived in August 1963. Malaya sent two observers. However, there was some disagreement over the number of observers the Indonesia and Philippine governments should send. Nevertheless the UN Team started its work. It was finally joined by the Indonesian and Filipino observers shortly before its work was about to end.
The UN Team carried out its work well. All the people who wished to express their views were allowed to do so. The UN Team checked the elections held by North Borneo and Sarawak, and also the work of the Cobbold Commission. The report of the UN Team was expected to be ready by 14th September 1963.


THE FORMATION OF MALAYSIA

According to the Constitution, it was necessary to proclaim the new date for the formation of Malaysia. Therefore on 29th August, the Tengku proclaimed that Malaysia would be established on 16th September 1963.
By then the UN Team had reported that most of the people of North Borneo and Sarawak were in favour of Malaysia. It also reported that the elections had been properly held and that the report of the Cobbold Commission was true. However, Indonesia and the Philippines refused to accept the report of the UN Team.
They objected to the proclamation of Malaysia Day before the publication of the report of the UN Team. They also stated that the Indonesian ad Filipino observers were not present during the early part of the UN Team’s work. They therefore refused to accept its report.
In spite of these objections Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak finally united to form Malaysia on 16th September 1963. British North Borneo became known as Sabah.



THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OF MALAYSIA

THE YANG DIPERTUAN AGONG

The Yang DiPertuan Agong became the Supreme Head of Malaysia. There was also a Deputy Supreme Head of State or the Timbalan Yang DiPertuan Agong. They were elected by the Conference of Rulers for a term of five years. Tuanku Syed Putra ibni Al-Marhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail became the first Yang DiPertuan Agong of Malaysia.



THE PARLIAMENT OF MALAYSIA

The Parliament of Malaysia consisted of two Houses – the Senate (Dewan Negara) and the House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat). The Senate consisted of 50 members. 28 were elected and 22 were appointed. Each state Legislative elected two Senators. The Yang DiPartuan Agong appointed the other 22 members.
The House of Representatives consisted of 159 elected members. 104 were elected from the 11 states of Malaya, 15 from Singapore, 24 from Sarawak and 16 from Sabah. New elections to the House of Representatives were to be held after five years.
The Yang DiPertuan Agong would appoint the leader of the party with a majority in the House of Representatives as Prime Minister of Malaysia. The Prime Ministers were to be appointed by the Yang DiPertuan Agong on the advice of the Prime Minister. Tengku Abdul Rahman became the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. Tun Abdul Razak became the Deputy Prime Minister.



CONFRONTATION

Indonesia and the Philippines refused to recognize Malaysia. On 16th September they broke off diplomatic relations with Malaysia. Soon afterwards Malaysia’s ambassadors were also withdrawn from Manila and Jakarta.


CONFRONTATION CONTINUED

All travel and trade ended between Indonesia and Malaysia. Confrontation continued. In this way Indonesia hoped to weaken the trade of Singapore and thus the internal unity of Malaysia. Guerilla attacks were made along the East Malaysia-Indonesian border. Landing were made on the coasts of Malaya. Attempts were made to stir up racial tension between the Malays, Chinese and other races within Malaysia, especially in Singapore.
The Malayan forces dealt with the confrontation efficiently. They were helped by troops from Britain, Australia and New Zealand.
Instead of weakening the new federation, the confrontation helped to unite the states of Malaysia. They became more determined to make Malaysia a success.


END OF CONFRONTATION

Attempts were made to stop confrontation but they failed. It was only in 1965 that the pressure of confrontation diminished. In that year the Indonesian armed forces put down a plot by the Indonesian Communists to take over the country. The Indonesians were therefore too busy to carry out confrontation energetically. President Soekarno was soon deposed. General Suharto took over the government.
The new government did not want confrontation. In August 1966 a peace agreement was signed between Indonesia and Malaysia in Jakarta. Confrontation thus came to an end.



SEPARATION
Meanwhile relations between the central government of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur and the government of Singapore had become strained. Both the governments began to disagree with each other. They had different policies and aims. They also had different ways of carrying them out.
Fierce arguments began between some of the leaders in the Central government and the leaders of the PAP in Singapore. The situation eventually became worse. The Tengku was finally forced to ask Singapore to leave Malaysia. Last minute talks were held to settle their differences. But they failed.
On 9th August 1965 the Separation Agreement was signed. Singapore then became a separate independent republic within the British Commonwealth of Nations. Singapore also became the 116th member of the United Nations. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew became the first Prime Minister of the Republic of Singapore. Tun Yusof bin Ishak became the first President.

SINGAPORE 1946 – 1959


A SEPARATE CROWN COLONY

The constitutional progress of Singapore was slower than that of the Federation of Malaya. When the British returned to Singapore in 1945, they set up a British Military Administration there. One 1st April 1946 civil government was restored. Penang and Malacca were separated from Singapore. They were joined to the Malayan Union while Singapore became a separate Crown Colony.


WHY SINGPORE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE FEDERATION

When the Federation of Malaya was formed in 1948, Singapore was left out again. There were three main reasons why Singapore was not included in the Federation. One reason was that Singapore and the Federation had different economies. Singapore was largely depended on free trade for its prosperity whereas the Federation depended on import and export duties for its revenue.
Another reason was that Singapore had a large Chinese population. In Malaya the Malays were the largest group of people. They also had the greatest share in the government. If Singapore were to join the Federation the Chinese would outnumber the Malays. This would mean that the Chinese would have more votes than the Malays and other races. The Malays would then be ruled by the Chinese. The Malay leaders therefore not ready to accept a union with Singapore.
The other reason was that Singapore was an important naval base in Southeast Asia. The British wanted to use Singapore as their naval base to keep their power and influence in that region.



GOVERNMENT OF SINGAPORE 1946

In 1946 Singapore thus remained under direct British rule. The Colonial Office appointed a British Governor to rule Singapore. As Executive Council and a Legislative Council were established to help the Governor. The Governor was President of the Executive Council and Chairman of the Legislative Council.
The Executive Council consisted of 7 official (including the Governor) and 4 unofficial members. They were all nominated by the Governor. The Legislative Council consisted of 10 official (including the Governor) and 13 unofficial members. 4 of the unofficial members were nominated by the Governor. 9 were elected of the 9, 3 were elected by the Chinese, European and Indian Chambers of Commerce. 6 were directly elected through votes of all British subjects over the age of 21. The Legislative Council thus had more unofficial members, 6 of whom were fully elected.





DEVELOPMENTS IN THE LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS

In March 1948 Singapore held its first elections for the Legislative Council. Soon afterwards in June 1948 Singapore declared a state of emergency. Unlike the Communists in Malaya, those in Singapore carried out fewer terrorist activities. Instead they were active in infiltrating trade unions and organizations of some of the Chinese middle schools. In 1950 – 1951 the number of unofficial members in the Executive and Legislative Councils were increased. The 6 directly elected unofficial members in the Legislative Council were increased to 9. Two of the unofficial members of the Executive Council were elected from among themselves by the unofficial members in the Legislative Council. This brought the two Councils closer together.



THE ELECTIONS OF 1951

The next elections were held in 1951. At that time less than a third of Singapore’s population could vote. The others were either non-citizens or under the age of 21. The number of voters had increased, but only half of them especially Chinese were dissatisfied. They were not ready for such elections. They opposed the separate constitution for Singapore and the citizenship laws of the Federation. So they refused to take part in elections. Others were not interested in the elections.
At this time the Progressive and Labour Parties were the main political parties in Singapore. The Progressives wanted to develop self-government and the union with the Federation. The Progressives won the elections.


SINGAPORE – A CITY

Singapore’s municipal government was also developed. In 1856 five commissioners had been appointed to raise local taxation for public services and amenities in the town. As work increased the number of commissioners was also increased. In 1948 the number of commissioners was increased from 25 to 27. Eighteen of them were to be elected.
In 1951 Singapore received the status of a city. It’s a local government became a City Council.




THE RENDEL COMMISSION


AIMS OF THE COMMISSION

In 1953 the British Government appointed a Commission under Sir George Rendel

(a) to find out why most of the electorate did not use of clim their votes in the 1951 elections.
(b) to find ways of increasing the number of voters.
(c) to find ways of increasing the number of elected members in the Councils.
(d) to recommend more changes in the Singapore constitution.



THE REPORT OF THE COMMISSION

The Rendel Commission’s Report was published in February 1954 and was accepted by the British Government. The Commission thus increasing the steps towards self-government.
All those who were qualified to vote should be automatically registered as electors.


A LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

A Legislative Assembly would replace the Legislative Council. The Legislative Assembly would have a Speaker and 32 members. 25 of these would be elected. Three of the remaining seven would be ex-officio members. The Governor would nominate four unofficial members from any important group which did not win any seats in the elections. The Legislative Assembly would serve for four years.


A COUNCIL OF MINISTERS

A council of Ministers would replace the Executive Council. It would consist of the Governor, three officials and six members of the majority party in the Legislative Assembly.
The three official members would control finance, foreign affairs, defence and internal security. They would be directly responsible to the Governor. The other members would also be allowed to make suggestions. The leader of the majority party would become the Chief Minister. He would choose five other members to be Ministers.
This new constitution was then introduced to Singapore in February 1955.





ELECTIONS 1955


POLITICAL PARTIES IN SINGAPORE

The first general elections for the Legislative Assembly were held in April 1955. This time more than 50% of the voters voted.


THE MAIN POLITICAL PARTIES

However, Singapore did not have any political party strong enough to form its own government. The main political parties were the Progressive Party, the Democratic Party, the United Malay National Organisation Union (UMNO, MCA, SMU) Alliance, the Labor Front and the People’s Action Party (PAP).
The Progressives, the Democrats and the UMNO – MCA – SMU Alliance were right-wing parties. The others were left-wing parties. These parties had some Communist ideals.
The Progressive Party was the oldest party. It had the most number of elected representatives in the former Legislative Council. It was expected to win the elections.
The Democratic Party was a new Chinese party. It represented business interests and wanted Chinese as one of the official languages of the Legislative Assembly.
The UMNO – MCA – SMU Alliance was a branch of the Alliance Party of the Federation.
The Labor Front was supported by the trade unions. It consisted of small socialist groups and part of the former Labor Party. The PAP was newly formed party with democratic socialist and some Communist ideals. It was led by a group of English educated intellectuals. They were also supported by trade unions.



ELECTIONS 1955


The five political parties and a few independent candidates fought for the 25 seats in the Legislative Assembly. The Labor Front led by Mr. David Marshall and Mr. Lim Yew Hock won the elections with 10 seats. The Progressives lost. They had only 4 seats. The UMNO – MCA – SMU Alliance and the PAP won 3 seats each. The Democrats took two seats and the Independents three. 15 of the elected members were Chinese.
Although the Labor Front won, it did not get a large majority to form a government. Mr. Marshall then decided to form an alliance government with the UMNO – MCA – SMU Alliance. Mr. Marshall, who was also a lawyer, became the first Chief Minister of Singapore.
The Progressives and the Democrats united to form a Liberal Socialist Party in February 1956. The Liberal Socialist Party and the PAP formed the opposition parties. The PAP was to become the strongest opposition party against the government. It was led by a lawyer, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, who was educated in Cambridge. Although the PAP was a left-wing party, Mr. Lee joined the party because he felt that the party could command the allegiance of the educated Chinese.



THE MARSHALL ADMINISTRATION



DISAGREEMENT BROKE OUT

Soon after the new government was set up, disagreement broke out between Mr. Marshall and the Governor, Sir Robert Black. Mr. Marshall wanted the Governor to appoint four assistant Ministers but he agreed to appoint only two.
A dispute as to whether the Governor had the right to reject any or part of the advice given to him by the Chief Minister arose. It was then put forward to the Secretary of State for the Colonies, Mr. Lennox-Boyd. As a result, the Constitution was altered and the Governor had to take the Chief Minister’s advice.
Meanwhile Mr. Marshall and the Legislative Assembly had decided to obtain self-government for Singapore. He was then invited to London to discuss the question of self-government. So in December 1955 Mr. Marshall visited London.



WEAKNESS IN THE GOVERNMENT

At the same time the new government was also having more trouble. Strikes and riots broke out. Most of them were organized by the Chinese Middle Schools and trade unions. There was much damage and loss of life. The position of the Labor Front had also become weak. Mr. Marshall found it difficult to hold the party together. Two of its members in the Legislative Assembly joined the opposition.



THE MARSHALL MISSION TO LONDON

Under these circumstances, Mr. Marshall led a mission to London in April 1956 to ask for Singapore’s independence. He was not successful.



WHY BRITAIN REFUSED TO GRANT INDEPENDENCE

The British Government would not give independence because Singapore had only a short experience in democratic government. The Labor Front did not get a large majority of votes in the elections. This meant that not all the people would support the government. The British Government was therefore not sure if the Labor Front government would remain in office.
There was a lot of Communist trouble in Singapore. There were strikes and riots. The British Government was not sure if the Labor Front Government could keep law and order. The British Government did not want Singapore to become a Communist state. Singapore was an important British naval base for the defence of Southeast Asia. The British Government therefore wanted law and order in Singapore.




A STATE OF SINGAPORE PROPOSED

The Colonial Office then put forward other proposals. A State of Singapore would be set up and a High Commissioner would replace the Governor. The Legislative Assembly would be enlarged and fully elected. The registration of citizenship would be introduced.
There was a great danger of Communist subversion and the uncertainty of whether Singapore could defend itself against internal and external attack. The Colonial Office would therefore control defence and internal security. A Defence and Security Council would be set up to helo the Colonial Office. It would consist of three representatives from Singapore and three from Britain. The High Commissioner would be the Chairman.
Singapore would be given full internal self-government. However, the High Commissioner would be given the power to intervene in matters of internal security in an emergency.



MR MARSHALL RESIGNED

Mr. Marshall would not accept the Defence and Security Council. He said that it would interfere with Singapore’s internal affairs. The talks in London therefore broke down. The mission then returned to Singapore. Mr. Marshall resigned as Chief Minister. He was succeeded by Mr. Lim Yew Hock.




PROGRESS TOWARDS SELF-GOVERNMENT


MR LIM YEW HOCK

Soon after Mr. Lim Yew Hock became the Chief Minister he began to take strong steps to stop the Communists from causing more trouble in Singapore. He wanted to show the people that the government could keep law and order and thus restore confidence in the Singapore government.
Mr. Lim Yew Hock broke up the Communist influenced organizations and the Middle School Students’ Union. As a result students and some of the trade unions organized strikes and riots in September 1956. Many were arrested. Mr. Lim Yew Hock had to obtain police and troops from the Federation to help suppress the disturbances.




THE SECOND MISSION TO LONDON

The Demand For Self-Government Renewed

Meanwhile Mr. Lim had also renewed the government’s demand for self-government. A second conference in London was then arranged and held in March-April 1957. Mr. Lim led the mission which included leaders of the other parties. At the conference both governments agreed on a new constitution for Singapore.
The Yang diPertuan Negara was to be the Head of State. He was to act as the representative of the British Crown. Singapore was to become a City State after the general elections in 1959. There was to be an elected Legislative Assembly of 51 members.



AN INTERNAL SECURITY COUNCIL

An internal Security Council would be set up. It would consist of
(a) the Prime Minister
(b) two other Singapore Minister
(c) the British High Commissioner (the Chairman)
(d) two other British representatives
(e) one Cabinet Minister from the Federation of Malaya
Should Singapore and Britain fail to reach an agreement the representative of the Federation would have the deciding vote.
Singapore would thus have full internal self-government. Britain would be responsible for its defence and foreign affairs. A special Singapore citizenship was to be introduced.
However, Britain insisted that persons arrested for taking part in any activities against the government should not be allowed to stand for elections. This caused much disagreement among the people.



POLITICAL UNREST SUPPRESSED

On his return from London Mr. Lim took further steps against those who caused political unrest in schools and trade unions. At that time the Communist members of the PAP tried to take control of the party from Mr. Lee Kuan Yew and his supporters. Mr. Lim and his government arrested 39 people in August 1957 for breaking the law and peace. Eighteen of them were members of the PAP.




THE SINGAPORE CITY COUNCIL

Meanwhile the City Council of Singapore was reorganized. It was to consist of 32 elected members who would elect a Mayor from among themselves. In December 1957 the first elections to the Singapore City Council were held. The PAP won 13 of the 32 seats. Mr. Ong Eng Guan, treasurer of the PAP, became the fist Mayor of Singapore.





INTERNAL SELF-GOVERNMENT IN SINGAPORE


LEE KUAN YEW AND THE PAP

Plans were then made to hold the first general elections to the Legislative Assembly. After their victory in the City Council, the PAP prepared for the elections. Led by Mr. Lee the PAP strengthened its organization and declared itself to be non-Communist. The PAP also declared that its main aim was to unite Singapore with the Federation.
The PAP worked closely with the people. The party began to win more support from the Chinese educated people of Singapore, many of whom had become citizens. Mr. Lee and his party soon became the most popular party in Singapore.
The Labour Front government was losing support although it had achieved many social reforms and obtained full internal self-government for Singapore. This was mainly because of its actions against the Chinese Middle Schools and trade unions.


ELECTIONS 1959

On 30th May 1959 the first general elections for the Legislative Assembly were held. The PAP won 43 out of the 51 seats. Therefore as the majority party, the PAP formed the new government.
However, Mr. Lee refused to take office until eight former party leaders arrested in 1956 and 1957 were released. They had been arrested by the Lim Yew Hock government under the terms of the Preservation of Public Security Ordinance. The former Governor, Sir William Goode, accepted Mr. Lee’s request. He then released the eight members.


SINGAPORE, AN INTERNAL SELF-GOVERNING STATE

On 3rd June 1959 Mr. Lee, Secretary-General of the party, formed the new government. Singapore became a self-government state. The British government kept control of Singapore’s external affairs and defence. Mr. Lee Kuan Yew became the first Prime Minister of Singapore. On 3rd December 1959 Mr. Yusof bin Ishak was appointed the Yang diPertuan Negara.
The PAP Government now aimed to expand trade and industry in Singapore. At the same time a general Malayan outlook and loyalty was developed. The PAP government hoped to join Singapore to Malaya. In this way, Singapore would be able to obtain complete independence from Britain.

INDEPENDENCE – 1957

THE REID COMMISSION

A Commonwealth Commission was then set up under a Chairman, Lord Reid, to plan a new constitution for Malaya. This Commission consisted of members from the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, India and Pakistan. No Malayan were members of the Commission.
The Reid Commission held its meeting in Malaya between May and October, 1956. It consulted the Alliance and the British Government. The Commission’s proposals were then put forward to the Sultans, the Malayan and British Governments. They accepted the proposals with only a few changes. The proposals became the Constitution for an independent Malaya.


THE CONSTITUTION OF MALAYA

A Constitutional Monarchy

According to the Constitution Malaya would remain a federation. The states and their Sultans were to retain certain rights and powers. A central government would have supreme power in all-important matters.
The Government was to be a Constitutional Monarchy. The Yang diPertuan Agong would be the Head of State. The Sultans would elect from among themselves the Yang diPertuan Agong and the Deputy Yang diPertuang Agong. Both of them would be elected for a period of five years.
The Cabinet of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister would carry out the government of the country. The Prime Minister was to be appointed by the Yang diPertuan Agong. The Prime Minister would be the leader of the party with a majority in the House of Representatives of Lower House.



THE PARLIAMENT

There would be a new Parliament consisting of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Parliament could sit for not more than five years. New elections were to be held every five years.
The House of Representatives had most of the powers. The Senate mainly represented special interests such as the Aborigines, and the tin and rubber industries. It had only the power to delay for a period of one year legislation (except Money Bills) which had been passed by the House of Representatives.



THE STATE GOVERNMENT

Each of the States and Settlements had its own government. Each Sultan would be Head of his own State government. Penang and Malacca would have Governor instead of Sultan. He would choose the leader of the majority party in the State legislature as the Mentri Besar.
Each state was to have a fully elected Legislative Assembly. Its Executive Council of Ministers would be chosen from the party which had a majority of elected members in the Assembly. Elections would be held every four years.
The State governments were to have control of local government, Muslim law and custom, land, agriculture and forestry. Both Federal and State governments were to be responsible for public health and social welfare.




CITIZENSHIP

All those who were born in Malaya after the independence would become citizens automatically. Those who were born in the Federation before independence and who had lived there for 5 out 7 years would be given citizenship. They should have some knowledge of Malay and would have to take an oath of loyalty to the Federation.
Those who had lived in the Federation for 8 out of the 12 years at the time of independence could also become citizens. But they also should have some knowledge of Malay and had to take the oath of loyalty.
No new privileges would be given to Malays but those special rights which they already had should be continued for 15 years after independence. Privileges such as civil service employment and scholarships were to be continued to allow them to improve their economic position.



MALAY, THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE

Malay would become the national language of the country after 1967. Until then Malay and English were to be the official languages.
At the time the Federation became independent the Federal Legislature was not fully elected. Provision was made to hold elections for the House of Representatives within two years after independence. By then more people would have qualified for the new citizenship.


INDEPENDENCE – 1957

The Federation of Malaya Agreement, by which Malaya was to become an independent nation, was signed in Kuala Lumpur on 5th August 1957.
On 31st August 1957 Malaya was proclaimed independent at a ceremony held in the Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur. This day became known as Merdeka Day. The representative of Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Gloucester, presented the charter of Independence to Tengku Abdul Rahman, the first Prime Minister of the independent Federation of Malaya.
The Yang diPertuan Besar of Negeri Sembilan, Tuanku Abdul Rahman ibni Tuanku Muhammad was installed the first Yang diPertuan Agong on 2nd September 1957.
Malaya became a member of the Commonwealth. Britain continued to give military and economic aid o 17th September 1957 the Federation of Malaya became the 82nd member of the United Nation Organisations.



ELECTIONS – 1959

FRIENDLY RELATIONS ESTABLISHED

Since Independence Day, the Tengku has strived to ensure a stable, responsible government in Malaya, and good relations abroad. He has made Malaya into a tryly Malayan nation. He exchanged visits with the Heads of other governments, thus increasing friendly relations with other countries.
In 1958 the Tengku made goodwill visits to Vietnam, Ceylon and Japan. In June he made a pilgrimage to Mecca for having obtained the Independence for Malaya peacefully. In September he made an official visit to Brunei. In January 1959 he visited the Philippines. There he suggested the formation of an association for close economic and cultural cooperation between the countries of Southeast Asia. This was the beginning of the Association of Southeast Asia (ASA).
Towards the end of 1958 the President of the Republic of India, and the Prime Minister of Canada visited Malaya. In early 1959 the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr Dag Hammarskjoeld, and the Prime Minister of Indonesia also visited Malaya.


THE ELECTIONS OF 1959

In August 1959 the first elections for a fully elected House of Representatives were held. This was in accordance with the provision made in the Federal Constitution to hold the elections within two years from Independence. The Alliance won 74 out of the 104 seats in the Lower House of the new Parliament. The PMIP was the strongest of the opposition parties. It was very successful in Kelantan and Terengganu.
The Alliance regained power to continue to rule Malaya for five more years. Tengku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj again became the Prime Minister of Malaya. Tun Abdul Razak bin Dato Hussein became Deputy Prime Minister. Tun Abdul Razak was deputy president of the UMNO. He had taken part in the mission to London which obtained independence for Malaya. He is an excellent administrator and is mainly responsible for the success of the Rural Development Scheme.
In April 1960 the first Yang diPertuan Agong died. He was succeeded by the Sultan of Selangor, Tuanku Hisamuddin Alam Shah.


PROGRESS UNTIL 1961

On 31st July 1960 the Tengku declred the end of Emergency. Although the Communists had failed, Communism in Malaya has not ended. Efforts are still being made to check and end Communist activities in Malaya.
The Federation of Malaya celebrated its third anniversary of Independence on 31st August 1960. The Second Yang diPertuan Agong died the next day. The Conference of Rulers elected the Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Putra, as the third Yang diPertuan Agong. He was installed in office in January 1961.
In February 1961 the Philippines and Thailand agreed to Tengku’s suggestion of ASA. It was only in July that Malaya, the Philippines and Thailand signed the agreement for the formation of ASA in Bangkok.

PROGRESS TOWARDS INDEPENDENCE

The Emergency interrupted Malaya’s progress towards independence. However, General Templer ad later, the Malayan leaders introduced many steps to defeat the terrorists and obtain self-government for the people.
General Templer gave the people greater protection, and more social and welfare services. He encouraged them to do things for themselves and to take part in the fight against the Communists. He encouraged them to cooperate with each other. In this way he caused Malayan nationalism to grow. General Templer realized that Communism would fail if Malayan nationalism were encouraged.
The Communist themselves helped the people to develop a Malayan nationalism. The Communists had attacked and murdered people of all races in the country. This caused all the races to unite to fight against the Communists.



DEVELOPMENT OF NEW POLITICAL PARTIES


THE MALAYAN CHINESE ASSOCIATION

In February 1949 Tan Cheng Lock formed the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA). It was really formed to unite the Chinese against the Communists. The MCA also gave welfare and social services and amenities to the New Villages. The Communists hated the MCA and even killed some of its members. They wounded Mr. Tan Cheng Lock during a meeting of the MCA at Ipoh.
Under the leadership of Tan Cheng Lock, the MCA won much popularity among the Chinese. Later it was to work together with UMNO and win much support from the people.


THE MALAYAN INDIAN CONGRESS

In 1946 the Malayan Indians formed the Malayan India Congress (MIC) to safeguard their interests.


THE INDEPENDENCE OF MALAYA PARTY

Meanwhile Dato Onn tried to make the UMNO into a national party. He proposed that all races should be allowed to become members of the UMNO. The UMNO refused to accept his proposal so he left it in 1951. He then formed a new party called the Independence of Malaya Party (IMP).


TENGKU ABDUL RAHMAN SUCCEEDED DATO ONN

Tengku Abdul Rahman, uncle of fifth Yang diPertuan Agong (the present Sultan of Kedah) succeeded Dato Onn as President of the UMNO. Tengku Abdul Rahman was born on 8th February 1903. He entered the Kedah state civil service in 1931. He became a lawyer in 1949.
Dato Onn wanted a United Malaya. He wanted the powers of the Sultans to be reduced, common citizenship for all and admission of Chinese and Indians into the administration. Dato Onn received very little support from the Malays and Chinese. They continued to be members of the UMNO and MCA. Only the MIC supported the new party (IMP) set up by Dato Onn.


THE PARTY NEGARA

During the beginning of the Emergency Dato Onn stopped the activities of the IMP. However, by 1951 the party began to carry out its work again. The IMP was not a success. In 1954 Dato Onn established another party – the Party Negara which also included members of all races.


THE MEMBER SYSTEM

While the political parties were developing, the British were also preparing Malayans for self-government and parliamentary democracy.
In 1951, the “Member System” of government was introduced into the Federal Legislative Council. Nine Malayans were made members or ministers of various departments. They were to be responsible to the High Commissioner. Dato Onn became the Member for Home Affairs, Dato Thuraisingham became the Member for Education, and Tun H.S Lee became the member for Health. Thus local leaders were given experience in governing the country.
Changes were also made in the citizenship laws in 1952. Chinese and Indians who were born in Malaya and were willing to become loyal subjects of the Sultans would be given citizenship. As a result another 250000 non-Malays became citizens.




THE ALLIANCE

THE FORMATION OF THE ALLIANCE

Elections to the local councils were first held in 1952. The first important elections in Malaya were the Kuala Lumpur Municipal elections in February 1952.
For the first time the Malay and Chinese parties, the UMNO and MCA cooperated against candidates from other parties. The two parties won nine out of the twelve seats. They then cooperated in the Johore Bahru, Muar and Malacca elections. They were very successful.
By then they had established themselves as the UMNO-MCA alliance. In 1955 the MIC joined the UMNO and the MCA because the IMP was dissolved. They then became known as the Alliance Party. Tengku Abdul Rahman became the leader of the party.


THE FIRST FEDERAL ELECTIONS

Meanwhile the Emergency had improved. The Alliance now aimed to establish a sovereign and independent country within the Commonwealth. The political partnership strengthened them so the Alliance began to ask for elections to the Federal Legislative Council. The British finally agreed to let 52 out of the 98 seats be elected.
The first Federal elections were then held in 1955. The Alliance was opposed by Party Negara and the Pan-Malayan Islamic Party (PMIP). The PMIP was led by Dr Burhannudin. The Alliance won 51 out of the 52 elected seats. The PMIMP won the other seat. Tengku Abdul Rahman became the Chief of Minister and Minister for Home Affairs. The other Alliance leaders were made Ministers and official civil servants.


THE BALING TALKS (II)

Led by the Tengku a meeting was held with Chin Peng to end the Communist rebellion. It was a failure. During the meeting, however, Chin Peng promised that the MCP would lay down their arms if the Tengku obtained independence for Malaya. The Alliance was therefore determined to get “merdeka” or independe for Malaya.



THE MERDEKA MISSION

The Tengku and the Sultans had earlier held talks with the British Secreatary of State for the Colonies in August 1955. The Secretary of State was visiting Malaya at that time. As a result of these talks, Tengku Abdul Rahman led the “Merdeka Mission” to London in early 1956.
A conference was held to discuss the independence of Malaya. It was attended by representatives of the Sultans, three other Alliance leaders, the High Commissioner, Sir Donald MacGillivray, members of his staff and advisers to the Colonial Office. They discussed Defense and Internal Security, Financial and Economic Matters, the Civil Service and the Constitution. The Merdeka Mission also asked the British Government to give independence to Malaya as soon as possible.
The Merdeka Mission was a success. The British Government agreed to give independence to Malaya by 31st August 1957.

THE EMERGENCY

Soon after the Federation of Malaya was formed, a Communist rebellion broke out in June 1948. The Malayan Communist Party tried to overthrow the government and set up a Communist Republic of Malaya.


THE COMMUNISTS SOON AFTER THE WAR

Soon after the Second World War the Communists had planned to take over control and establish a Communist republic in Malaya. But they were not successful. The MPAJA which was mainly controlled by the MCP, was disbanned. However, the Communist leadership and organization had not ended. Weapons were hidden in the jungle to be used later in an armed revolt. Many of the Communist members went back to the jungle.
The Malayan Communist Party became active in Malaya. Communist members quickly took control of trade unions and youth organizations. The General Labor Union set up in Singapore in 1945 came under Communist control. These Communist members organized many strikes in 1946 and 1947. In this way they hoped to cause disorder in the country. Workers as well as the government began to realize that the Communists were using the unions against their interests.


COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES CHECKED

Then in 1948 the government passed new laws to ban all left-wing political parties. It also stopped Communists from becoming officials in the trade unions. In this way the government prevented the Communists from causing disorder in the country’s industries and economy.
The Malayan Communist Party was thus weakened. It was further weakened by troubles within the Party. It was discovered that the Secretary-General, Lai Teck, had betrayed many Party members to the Japanese. He had also secretly used the funds of the Party for himself. As a result Chin Peng was elected Secretary-General of the Malayan Communist Party. Chin Peng was a good leader and under him the MCP was reorganized and strengthened.


THE COMMUNIST MEETING AT CALCUTTA

In February 1948 Communist leaders from Asia attended a meeting at Calcutta. This meeting was organized by the International Communists. At the meeting the Asian Communists were encouraged to spread communism and plan revolts against their governments. Soon afterwards Communist rebellions broke out in Burma, India and Indonesia. The meeting at Calcutta also led the Malayan Communists to start an armed rebellion in 1948.


THE EMERGENCY – LAWLESSNESS & VIOLENCE

Lawlessness and violence increased in Malaya. At first the Government did not believe that this was caused by the Communists. This was because there had been many cases of violence in Malaya since the war.
The Communists forced the people in the village to contribute money and supplies. They murdered many anti-Communist Chinese and members of the Kuomintang Party. In this way the Communists hoped to force the Chinese to support them.
They attacked and murdered Europeans planters and tin miners. They wanted to disrupt the tin and rubber industries. At the same time they wanted to drive the British out of Malaya. The Communists also attacked police stations and disrupted communications. Trains were derailed and many innocent people were killed.


A STATE OF EMERGENCY DECLARED

The Communists began a period of terror in Malaya. They were led by the Communist leaders of the former MPAJA. The government realized that the Communists had become a serious threat to the country. In June 1948 the Government declared a state of Emergency throughout the country.
This declaration gave the Government more powers. The police could arrest or detain anyone suspected of taking part in Communist banned the MCP, the ex-MPAJA. Comrades Association and all other organizations influenced by the Communists.



TERRORIST ATTACKS

From 1948 to 1951 the Government did little to attack the Communists. The Government concentrated all its effort in defending the country. The Government was not prepared for the hit-and-run attacks of the Communist guerillas or terrorists.
The Communist terrorists used the jungle as their hideout and as a place where they could attack the government troops and retreat. These terrorist attacks took place all over the country. For the next few years they were quite successful. They even brought certain areas under their control. For there they planned to extend their control over the whole country.
The terrorists sabotaged rubber estates and tin mines. They murdered managers, foremen and workers to stop production. They terrorized people living in rural areas and villages and forced them to give food, money, medicine and other supplies. There was much hardship and loss of life and property. The Government security forces had a difficult job protecting the people and property, and fighting the terrorists.


SIR HENRY GURNEY KILLED

Then in 1951 the terrorists ambushed and killed the High Commissioner, Sir Henry Gurney, who was on his way to Fraser’s Hill. This was a great success for the Communists. It lowered public morale and discouraged the people.





THE DEFEAT OF THE COMMUNISTS


THE BRIGSS PLAN

The Government had taken steps to protect the people. The police and military forces were increased. However, these were not enough. In 1950 General Harold Briggs was appointed Director of Operations. This was the beginning of the defeat of the Communists.


THE COMMUNISTS AND THE MIN YUEN

The Communists terrorists usually got supplies, men, information and money from the Chinese living in the rural rules. Among them were the villagers and squatters. These squatters were farmers who owned land unlawfully. Not all of these people wanted to support the Communists. The Communists murdered informers and threatened them so they had to cooperate. Moreover, the Government could not protect them if they refused to cooperate.
The Communists also got food, money and information through the Min Yuen. The Min Yuen was a movement organized by the Communist guerillas during the Japanese Occupation. It provided food, money, arms information and other supplies to the guerillas. During the Emergency, the Communists began to make use of the Min Yuen again. Not all the members of the Min Yuen were communists. Fear of their lives and property forced them to help the terrorists.


THE BRIGGS PLAN INTRODUCED

With the knowledge, General Briggs introduced the resettlement of squatters in “New Villages”. This became known as the Briggs Plan. General Briggs resettled about half a million Chinese villagers and squatters in New Villages. These villages were surrounded by wire fences and guarded by police. Water, electricity, schools, medical services and other social services were given to the villagers. Altogether there were about 550 of these villagers built during the Emergency.
The Briggs Plan succeeded in protecting those who had been forced to help the terrorists. The Communists also began to find difficulties in getting help and supplies from the Min Yuen. Now that the people were protected, many of them helped the Government. They gave valuable information about the movements and hiding places of the Communists. The security forces were now able to arrest many of the Communists and attack their hiding places.


THE WAR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEES

General Briggs also introduced the War Executive committees. They were formed in the federal and state governments and in the districts. These committees consisted of civil, police and military members.

(a) They supervised the different security groups in the country.
(b) They also worked together to plan the emergency work which included food control, police, information and military operations.

General Briggs greatly helped to prevent food, men, money, medicine and other supplies from reaching the Communist terrorists. Many were forced to surrender. But many also went deeper into the jungle. As the Communists lost support, they began to plan and increase their terrorist activities.


GENERAL SIR GERALD TEMPLER

The death of Sir Henry Gurney made the Government more determined to smash the Communists and end the Emergency. General Sir Gerald Templer was mainly responsible for suppressing the Communists in Malaya.


HIGH COMMISSIONER AND DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

General Templer was appointed High Commissioner of Malaya and Director of Operation in 1952. He therefore had both military and civil powers. A Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Donald MacGillivray, was appointed to help General Templer in the administration. General Templer was thus free to concentrate on the Emergency.
General Templer was an able leader. Under his leadership the Communists suffered many defeats. In this way he started to restore the morale of the people. He had more troops send from Britain and other Commonwealth countries such as Australia, East Africa, Fiji and New Zealand to fight the communists.
General Templer helped to form a federal regiment which later became the Federation Army. Compulsory service in the army was introduced. The Malayan police were increased in strength. They were all specially trained to fight against the terrorists.


AID FROM VILLAGES CHECKED

The people were encouraged to take part in the fight against the terrorists. Unity and cooperation among the different races were encouraged. Home guard units were set up in the villages. Volunteers joined them to help the defense of their villages, mines and estates. In this way the Government was able to stop Communists from going into the villagers. It was also able to prevent anyone from giving help to the Communists.


DEVELOPMENT IN THE VILLAGES

These villages were given many benefits – protection, social and welfare services. More roads were also built in the rural areas. Village Councils were set up and elections were held for them. The villagers began to have a greater share in the running of their villages. The Government was thus able to win the people to its side. Protection, a social and welfare services were also given to aborigines. For the first time the Government began to take interest in the aborigines.


BLACK AND WHITE AREAS

General Templer punished those villagers which help the terrorists. Fines were imposed on them. Those areas which Communists were known to be hiding or receiving help were declared black areas. These areas were then put under strict curfew and food control.
He encouraged the resettlement plan and introduced the idea of white areas. These areas were the terrorists had been defeated. Restriction on food and other emergency rules were not so strict in these white areas. In this way, General Templer hoped to encourage the people to give more information about the terrorists. This would then enable General Templer to defeat the Communists in the other areas. More areas would then be declared white. General Templer declared the first white areas in Malacca in September 1952.


FURTHER DEFEAT OF THE COMMUNISTS

General Templer improved the planning and fighting against the Communists. More men were trained for guerilla fighting. Leaflets promising freedom to Communist guerillas who surrendered were issued. A large number of them surrendered.
Police and soldiers began to seek out and destroy the terrorists and their hiding places in the jungle. The Communists were finally driven deeper into the jungle. Their guerilla attacks became fewer. They realized that their rebellion was a failure. They had been defeated.



REASONS FOR THE FAILURE OF THE COMMUNISTS

The Communists were mostly Chinese but they received very little support from the Chinese community. The Communists had killed many Chinese and this made the Chinese community fear and hate them. The terrorist attacks on the Chinese as well as on the other races made the people angry. The Communists thus failed to get support from the other communities. Instead they caused the different communities to join together to fight against them. The Emergency had thus brought about unity among the different races.
The Communists received very little help from other Communists outside Malaya. Malaya did not have a strong Communist country for a neighbor, so the Malayan Communists had to depend on themselves.
Moreover, they failed to disrupt the country’s economy. The owners and workers of mines, estates and other industries protected their lives and property. The Government also gave them much protection. So the production of tin and rubber continued throughout the Emergency.


THE EMERGENCY BY 1954

Conditions improved and by 1954 the Communists were no longer a serious threat. General Templer was thus able to give up his post to his Deputy, Sir Donald MacGillivray.
Many of the terrorists surrendered as their food supplies were cut off and their jungle hideouts became unsafe. However, others led by Chin Peng still refused to give up the fight.


THE END OF EMERGENCY

Although the country was in a state of Emergency, political progress was not stopped. The Federal Government was partly elected by 1955. Tenku Abdul Rahman had become the Chief Minister of Malaya.


THE BALING TALKS

A meeting was held between the MCP and the Government to settle the Communist rebellion in December 1955. The Tengku, Dato Tan Cheng Lock, and Mr. David Marshall, the Chief Minister of Singapore, met Chin Peng, the Communist leader, at Baling in north Kedah.
The Government was prepared to pardon all Communists who surrendered within a limited period. Those who were willing to give up Communism would be allowed to return to normal life. Those who remained Communists would be detained. And those who wished to go to China would be allowed to do so.
However, Chin Peng refused to agree the terms. He wanted the MCP to be legalized and allowed to carry on political activities freely. He was willing to cooperate with the Government to gain independence. But he would continue to fight to make Malaya a Communist republic. The meeting thus failed and the Emergency continued.


END OF EMERGENCY DECLARED

Before 1957 the Communists claimed that they were fighting for Malaya’s independence. In 1957, Malaya became independent. The Communists therefore had no excuse to continue their rebellion. In spite of the independence the Emergency dragged on for another three years. The Government’s efforts to suppress Communism continued. By 1960 the Communist terrorists could no longer continue their strength in Malaya. They retreated to South Thailand.
On 31st July 1960 the Government declared the end of Emergency. It had lasted 12 years. Malaya became one of the few countries to successfully defeat the Communists and prevent them from taking over the country. Chin Peng and the Communists were not really defeated. Chin Peng and his men continued their activities along the Thai-Malaysian border. Malaya (now West Malaysia) and Thailand have signed a pact agreeing to a joint operation against the MCP along the Thai-Malaysian border.

THE FEDERATION OF MALAYA (1948)

THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FEDERATION


The Federation of Malaya Agreement was accepted by the British Government, the Sultans, leaders of the UMNO, and representatives of the various communities. The Federation of Malaya was then established on 1st February 1948.
The Federation consisted of the nine Malay states and the settlements of Penang and Malacca. Singapore remained a separate Crown Colony. Instead of one highly centralized government, Malaya now had a Federal Commissioner, whose appointment was approved by the Sultans, was head of the Federal government. He had to safeguard the position and rights of the Malays.



THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

The Federal Executive and Legislative Councils would help the High Commissioner. The Federal Executive Council consisted of both official and unofficial members. The unofficial members would be chosen from the various races.
The Federal Legislative Council consisted of the High Commissioner, 15 official and 61 unofficial members. 31 of the unofficial members were Malays and the rest Chinese, Indians, Europeans and Eurasians. The unofficial members also included the representatives of the State Councils and the two Settlements. At first the unofficial members were nominated by the High Commissioner. Later they were appointed “Members” or ministers of departments such as Railways and Ports, Works and Housing. This was an important step towards self-government.


THE STATE GOVERNMENT

The State government was headed by the Sultan. Those in Penang and Malacca were each headed by a Resident Commissioner. Each state had its own Executive and Legislative Councils.
The State governments controlled local administration, health, education, agriculture and lands. But the Federal Government was allowed to make any changes in these matters if it thought it necessary. British Advisers remained. They had no executive powers. They could only advise. The Menteri Besar was the chief official of each state.



THE MAJLIS RAYA NEGERI MELAYU

A conference of Rulers called the Majlis Raya Negeri Melayu was set up to advise the High Commissioner. They would meet at least three times a year. Any changes in the constitution, immigration and appointments of senior government officials needed the approval of this conference.


CITIZENSHIP

A common Malayan citizenship was given to all. However, laws were made to make it harder for immigrants to qualify for citizenship. Besides the Malays, Indians, Chinese and British subjects born in the Federation and their children were given automatic citizenship. Children whose parents were Federal citizens at the time of the children’s births also became citizens automatically. Those who were born in the Federation spoke Malay and followed Malay customs also became citizens automatically.
Persons born in the Federation could apply for citizenship when they had lived there for 8 out of the 12 years. Immigrants could also apply for it when they had lived in the Federation for at least 15 out of the 20 years. These applicants had to be of good character and able to speak Malay or English. They also had to make a declaration of permanent settlement.


THE MALAY PENINSULA UNDER ONE GOVERNMENT

For the first time the Malay Peninsula, excluding Singapore, came under one government. The Federation of Malaya Agreement was important because it prepared Malaya for self-government. The constitution in the Agreement became the basis for the constitution of Malaya in 1957 and for the Federation of Malaysia in 1963.


REACTIONS OF THE MALAYS

The Malays were quite satisfied with the changes. The Federation Agreement restored the powers of the Sultans and the States. It also protected the position and special rights of the Malays. A more restricted citizenship prevented the other races from taking away Malay influence. All Malayan citizens would have equal rights but the Malays would keep their political status and special rights.
There were more unofficial members of all races in both Federal and State Councils. The local people now had a greater share in the government. Moreover, the Malays were given a majority representation in the Federal and the State Councils.


REACTIONS OF THE CHINESE AND INDIANS

The new constitution was, however, less popular with the Chinese and Indians as many of them were mainly interested in citizenship. The Federation Agreement now prevented many of them from obtaining citizenship. The Malayan Chinese were not happy that Singapore was left out of the Federation. They were dissatisfied as they were treated differently from those living in Singapore. The Malayan Indians felt that the government had not given them a fair share in the running of the government.
In spite of these feelings among the non-Malays, most of them were prepared to accept the new constitution and live in cooperation.

MALAYAN NATIONALISM

NATIONALISM BEFORE WORLD WAR II

Slow Development of Nationalism – The development of nationalism in Malaya before World War II was very slow. This was due to a number of factors. The government was stable and the sovereignty of the Sultans was preserved. There was economic and social development and prosperity.
Educated and intelligent Malays were given high positions in government service. This prevented them from being politically discontented and rising up against the government. The people were generally contented.



NATIONALISM AMONG THE CHINESE AND INDIANS

As large numbers of Chinese and Indians immigrated to Malaya, a multi-racial society developed. Most of them lived in the Malay Peninsula for only a short period. Thus they were not royal or patriotic towards Malaya. Their own governments in China and India influenced them.
The Chinese in Malaya considered themselves as members of the Overseas Chinese Community. They contributed large funds to help their country of origin. The Chinese were nationalistic, but not towards Malaya. The Kuomintang, and later the Chinese Communist Party, established branches in Malaya.
The Indians were also affected by the events in India. Most of them came to Malaya to earn as much as they could. Then they returned to India. They were only loyal to India.
The Chinese and Indians did not want to be ruled by the Malays. At the same time the Malays were afraid of losing their rights and political power. There was thus no unity among them.


NO CENTRALISED GOVERNMENT

There was no centralized government for the whole country. There were eleven different governments in Malaya. Each had its own interests. The Straits Settlements was directly under British rule. They did not want to join a Malayan Union because they were afraid they might lose their free port status.
The Federated Malay States were under British protection. They were the most advanced of the Malay states. They were not willing to spend their money in helping the other backward states. The Unfederated Malay States were under British protection but they had more power than the Federated Malay States. They did not want to join the Federated Malay States because they were afraid of losing some of their powers.
The Malays of each state gave their loyalty to their own Sultans and not to the country as a whole. The Sultans followed their traditions closely. They did not encourage nationalism. This lack of unity and loyalty to Malaya as a whole prevented the growth of nationalism among the people. No strong nationalist party grew up in Malaya before World War II.


EARLY WAR NATIONALISM

A number of Malays were affected by nationalist ideas, which were going on in parts of Asia. A few small nationalist groups were formed.
Mr. Mohammad Eunos bin Abdullah founded the first Malay political party in 1926. It was called the Kesatuan Melayu Singapura (KMS) or the Singapore Malay Union (SMU). The KMS worked for educational, economic, social and political progress of the Malays. Malay leaders like Raja Chulan of Perak and Dato Onn bin Jaafar began to speak up for the Malays.
Nationalist activities of the Chinese and the Indians in Malaya made the Malays more politically conscious. The nationalist movement in Indonesia greatly influenced the Malays too. As a result a number of Malay associations and unions grew up all over the country. Branches of the KMS were set up. The Kesatuan Melayu Muda, KMM (the Malay Youth Movement) was formed in 1938.
The members of the KMM were mainly Malay school teachers and students educated at Muslim universities overseas. Their leader was Inche Ibrahim bin Yaccob. He was helped by Inche Ishak bin Haji Mohammad. They were against the British and the Sultans. They wanted immediate independence. They hoped to unite Malaya with Indonesia.
Another group consisted mainly of English educated officials and students. They were not against British rule but they wanted the interest of the Malays protected against the other races in the country.


POLITICAL ACTIVITIES CHECKED

The British authorities in Malaya knew about these political activities. They arrested many of the leaders of the KMM just before war broke out in Malaya. Some escaped and went underground. Ibrahim Yaccob reorganized the KMM during the Japanese occupation. The Japanese banned it when they found that it was protecting those working underground.
The leaders, however, continued to plan for a joint independence of Malaya and Indonesia. The KMM was renamed Kesatuan Rakyat Indonesia Semenanjung (KRIS). But when Indonesia declared her independence on 17th August 1945, Malaya was left out. KRIS was then disbanded.



BEGINNING OF COMMUNIST ACTIVITIES

Meanwhile the Malayan Communist Party had been formed in 1927. Members infiltrated into trade unions and youth organizations. They organized strikes and caused much trouble in plantations and mines. The workers realized that the Communists were using their unions against the interest of the workers. As a result Communist popularity and influence declined. Its influence increased again when it began to encourage anti-Japanese feeling in Malaya.


NATIONALISM AFTER WORLD WAR II

Malay nationalism had been growing since the Japanese occupation. Nevertheless, the British thought the Malays were not interested in politics. This attitude towards the Malays changed in 1946.


POLITICAL CONSCIOUSNESS AWAKENED

The Japanese had made the people more politically conscious. Soon after the war ended, the Malay Nationalist Party (MNP) was formed. It had almost the same aim as KMM. A Malayan Democratic Union (MDU) was also formed. Meanwhile the MCP had also become active.
The Japanese had caused the Malays to regard themselves as the rightful owners of Malaya. But it was the introduction of the Malayan Union that greatly awakened their political consciousness. Their birthright was threatened. They were afraid of the strength of the non-Malays if they were to obtain the full political rights.
The Malays were against the proposals of the Union. They organized protest meetings throughout the country and started a mass movement of non-cooperation. For the first time the Malays united to protect their political interests.


THE UNITED MALAYS NATIONAL ORGANISATION

Dato Onn bin Jaafar, the Menteri Besar of Johore, formed the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) in May 1946. He became the first President of the UMNO. The UMNO was the first real Malay political party in Malaya. The main aims of the UMNOR were:

(a) to make the British withdraw the Malayan Union
(b) defend Malay rights and interests
(c) to prepare the Malays for their part in self-government

The Malayan Union was thus responsible for the strengthening of Malay nationalism and the growth of the strong political party in Malaya. The formation of the UMNO was the first important step towards independence.