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Colonial Era
The Struggle for Independence
COLONIAL ERA
Malaysia was once a colonised land.
From 1511 until 1957 (446 years),
the Portuguese, Dutch, British,
Japanese and even Siamese.
But only the British and Japanese
succeeded in colonizing almost the
whole country and left an impact on
the people.
The factors for colonizing Malaysia
are closely tied to the vast natural
resources and other sources of
wealth.
The Malay Archipelago was also a
place to extend their political and
Christian faith.
PORTUGUESE AND DUTCH
COLONIZATION
The Portuguese led by Alfonso de
Albuquerque took over Malacca in
1511.
The main reason was to control the
maritime trade in the East and to
spread Christianity.
The Dutch defeated the
Portuguese and took over Malacca
in 1641 with assistance from Johor.
The Dutch were only interested in
the tin ore in the Malay Peninsula.
The Dutch left after an agreement
with the British in 1824.
BRITISH COLONIZATION
Military steps
Impact:
a) The number of people killed, injured
and missing
b) Properties were destroyed and
economy was crippled
c) Widened social gap among the
people
d) Racial issues worse
Question
From your opinion, which
Colonial Era has a biggest
impact on the peoples in
Malaysia ? Discuss.
THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE
Malaysia was ruled by foreign powers
for about 446 years.
The opposition against colonialists
divided into two phases:
1. Opposition with bloodshed
- Since the Portuguese occupation
until the beginning of the 20th
century
- The struggle of the Malays
2. Opposition through a spirit of
nationalism
- From the early 20th century until the
achievement of Independence.
- Through literature and negotiations
The Armed Struggle Against
the Colonialists
Malacca Sultan Mahmud to win
back Malacca from the Portuguese
Naning Penghulu Dol Said
refused to pay taxes to the British
Selangor Raja Mahadi objected
the appointment of Tengku Kudin
by the British
Perak Sultan Abdullah, Dato
Maharajalela, Tok Sagor
restriction on the Sultan, sanction
against the collection of taxes,
sudden changes in administration,
ignorance of the customs and
religions
N. Sembilan Tengku Antah
Quarrels between Tengku Antah
and Dato Kelana
Pahang Tok Gajah, Dato Bahaman J.P.
Rodgers introduced the post Tax collector
and magistrate which the locals lost their
source of income
Sarawak Sharif Masahor, Rentap, Banting
against James Brooke
Sabah Mat Salleh - imposition of taxes
and extension of British power
Kelantan Haji Wan Hassan (Tok Janggut)
the British appointed District officer in Pasir
Puteh, taxes
Terengganu Haji Abdul Rahman Limbong
the rebellion known as Peasants
Rebellion, taxes, against the religion,
impose pass for farmers
Malaya people of Malaya the Japanese
oppression
THE STRUGGLE FOR
NATIONALISM
External influence and education
were the primary factors that
created a conscious need to fight
for independence.
Using the mind and words
The emergence of Malay
intellectuals
Negotiations
Used associations and the mass
medias
Asia for Asians
Young Malays Union (KMM) led
by Ibrahim Yaacob
MALAYAN UNION
The British returned to Malaya in
September 1945 and proposed a
new system of administration
Malayan Union
It was a union of the Malay states
(federated & Unfederated)
including Penang, Malacca
Objective:
a) To ensure that the economic
interest of the British were
protected.
b) A single ruling system could cut
down the administrative cost of
the Malay states.
FEATURES OF THE MALAYAN UNION
Nine Malay states, Penang
and Malacca
The British Governor was the
chief administrator, assisted
by Executive Council and
Legislative Council
The rulers authority was only
in issues pertaining to Islam
The State Council was
retained for purpose of
managing the local
government
FEATURES OF THE MALAYAN UNION
Did not involved Singapore, it
still remained as British
colonial territory
Citizenship was based on jus
soli it was obtained if (a) the
foreigner was 18 and above
and had resided for 10-15
years before 15 Feb. 1924, (b)
a person who was born after
the forming of the MU
Equal rights for all citizens
regardless of race or origin
OPPOSITION AGAINST THE MALAYAN
UNION
The strongest opposition came
from the Malay
Individually: through the mass
media
Collectively: held demonstration to
show their objection
The reasons:
a) The granting of citizenship to the
non-Malays
b) Erosion of Malay rulers power and
sovereignty
c) Mac Michaels threats in getting the
rulers to sign the agreement
Strong opposition from the Malays
No strong support from the non-
Malays
Wrong timing
Wrong introduction
Opposition from former British
administrators in Malaya
Radical/Socialist:
MCP Malayan Communist Party
(1930)
AWAS Angkatan Wanita Sedar
(1946)
API Angkatan Pemuda Insaf (1946)
PKMM National Malay Party of
Malaya
PETA Ikatan Pemuda Tanah Air (1947)
Islam:
PAS Islamic Party of Malaya
(1951)
HISBUL MUSLIMIN Hizabul
Muslimin (1948)
Non-communal:
IMP Independent Malayan
Party (1951)
PARTI NEGARA - National
Party (1954)
NEGOTIATIONS FOR INDEPENDENCE
City Council Elections:
- The British Government used elections as a test of unity in
the country.
- In the elections (Feb. 1952), UMNO teamed up with MCA and
won 9 out of 12 seats contested.