Its initial goals achieved, UMNO established itself as a political party to fight for independence. At the same time, the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) launched an armed insurgency against what they considered a British puppet state, culminating in the Malayan Emergency which lasted until after independence. The insurgency was marked by a clear racial divide; opposition to the insurrection was almost entirely Malay, while Chinese dominated the communist ranks. The British encouraged the establishment of the Communities Liaison Committee (CLC), comprising the top echelon of Malayan politicians from different communities, to address sensitive issues, especially those related to race. Compromises on a number of issues, including citizenship, education, democracy, and Malay supremacy, were agreed on.. Eventually, a "bargain" between the Malays and non-Malays was formulated; in return for giving up ketuanan Melayu (referred to as the Malays' special position), the Malays would be assisted in closing the economic gap between the Malay and non-Malay communities. CLC member E.E.C. Thuraisingham later said, "I and others believed that the backward Malays should be given a better deal. Malays should be assisted to attain parity with non-Malays to forge a united Malayan Nation of equals."
Problems continued to crop up. Many Malayan Chinese youths drafted into the army to stave off communist attacks fled the country; most participants were English- and not Chinese-educated. To the Malays, this indicated that the Chinese had no particular loyalty towards Malaya and justified ketuanan Melayu, heightening similar perceptions caused by the apparent racial dichotomy between those in fierce opposition to the communists and those supporting the MCP.
In the early 1950s, Onn Ja'afar proposed to open UMNO membership to all Malayans, and renaming it the United Malayan National Organisation, which would have diluted its identity as a champion of ketuanan Melayu. Defeated in an internal power struggle, he resigned in 1951 to found the Independence of Malaya Party (IMP). He was succeeded by Tunku Abdul Rahman (often known as "the Tunku"), who insisted on initial Malay sovereignty. Expressing concern over a lack of loyalty to Malaya among non-Malays, he demanded they clarify their allegiance before being accorded citizenship, going on to state: "For those who love and feel they owe undivided loyalty to this country, we will welcome them as Malayans. They must truly be Malayans, and they will have the same rights and privileges as the Malays."Not long after, in 1952, however, he appeared to contradict himself, and insisted that Malays safeguard their special position: "Malaya is for the Malays and it should not be governed by a mixture of races."
During the early 1950s, there was an active Straits Chinese secessionist movement in Penang agitating against ketuanan Melayu.
During this period, some Straits Chinese began taking interest in local politics, especially in Penang, where there was an active Chinese secessionist movement. Identifying more with the British than the Malays, they were especially angered by references to them as pendatang asing ("aliens"). Avoiding both UMNO and the MCA, they believed that while UMNO and Malay extremists were intent on extending Malay privileges and restricting Chinese rights, the MCA was too "selfish", and could not be relied on. Uncomfortable about the merger of the Straits Settlements with Malaya, they did not feel a sense of belonging in a "Malaya for the Malays" where they were not considered bumiputra ("sons of the soil"). One Straits Chinese leader indignantly declared, "I can claim to be more anak Pulau Pinang [a son of Penang] than 99 per cent of the Malays living here today." With the government's stout rejection of secession, the movement eventually petered out.[
Some suggested that the non-Malays did not feel loyal to Malaya because they did not consider themselves to be of Malayan nationality. To counter this, in 1952 citizenship was granted to nearly all local-born non-Malays, and dual citizenship prohibited, forcing non-Malays to choose between their ancestral homeland and Malaya.
As Malaya moved to self-government, the British initiated the Member System, modeled on the cabinet system; like the CLC, it drew on members of different communities, and was later described as setting a precedent for the power-sharing multiracial Malayan and Malaysian cabinets post-independence. At the same time, the British also began laying the framework for a national education system that would create "a sense of common citizenship". The Barnes Report that they commissioned, however, was strongly objected to by the Chinese community for being "saturated with Malay nationalism" and bolstering ketuanan Melayu. The Fenn-Wu Report, favoured by the Chinese, did not meet with Malay approval. In the end, the Barnes Report's recommendations for English-medium "national schools" were implemented by the 1952 Education Ordinance, over vocal Chinese protests, who were upset by the lack of provision for non-Malay vernacular schools. In 1956, a committee headed by Tun Abdul Razak re-evaluated the education system. The "Razak Report" recommended that vernacular primary schools be permitted to continue, but share a common syllabus with national schools. Vernacular secondary schools would not be sanctioned; only national secondary schools would be funded. The Chinese community strenuously objected to the Razak Report as well, launching an organised campaign against it; the MCA's refusal to oppose the Report cost it politically in some Chinese constituencies.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Birthing by Leon Wing
Within the netted pyramid she slumps,
the ancient book forgotten.
Dead words war
Into the dreams of the
Nile courting her with carrion eye
Lids from vultures’ leavings.
Without,
the screaming nuzzles through
Feathered downs of drowsiness.
She hears the wake of crying
In a litter of whistling breathes
The mother coos
The new births into mews.
the ancient book forgotten.
Dead words war
Into the dreams of the
Nile courting her with carrion eye
Lids from vultures’ leavings.
Without,
the screaming nuzzles through
Feathered downs of drowsiness.
She hears the wake of crying
In a litter of whistling breathes
The mother coos
The new births into mews.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
10 years before MERDEKA
To view the videos, you can click links below :
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNZzZlVgWxY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo9fOS7VNus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtMPNJ38E1M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwGgBkQxT-4
10 Tahun Sebelum Merdeka (10 Years Before Independence) a short historical documentary film by Fahmi Reza
Synopsis: October 20th, 1947 was a historical day in the rakyat's constitutional struggle for independence from British colonialism. This documentary chronicles the events that culminated in the Malaya-wide 'Hartal' day of protest against the undemocratic Federation of Malaya Constitutional Proposals devised by the British Colonial Government and the UMNO, and the rise of the people's democratic movement in Malaya, 10 years before Merdeka.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sNZzZlVgWxY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fo9fOS7VNus
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mtMPNJ38E1M
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwGgBkQxT-4
10 Tahun Sebelum Merdeka (10 Years Before Independence) a short historical documentary film by Fahmi Reza
Synopsis: October 20th, 1947 was a historical day in the rakyat's constitutional struggle for independence from British colonialism. This documentary chronicles the events that culminated in the Malaya-wide 'Hartal' day of protest against the undemocratic Federation of Malaya Constitutional Proposals devised by the British Colonial Government and the UMNO, and the rise of the people's democratic movement in Malaya, 10 years before Merdeka.
Features of Malayan Union Agreement 1946 - APRIL 6, 1947
Features of Malayan Union Agreement 1946
The establishment of Malayan Union as a new form of colonization in our country is one of the brilliant strategies of the British government in order to make profit from the local economical wealth. Still, many of us tend to let in British to rule our country for the second time after the surrender of Japanese due to the World War 2. This phenomenon is totally annoying the local Rulers as they are lacking of moral supports from the local people to fight against and chase away the foreign colonizer.
As everyone well knows, the Malayan Union government was officially proclaimed on last 1 April 1946 at King’s House (Carcosa Seri Negara), Kuala Lumpur .British government has made the agreement which is also known as Agreement of Malayan Union 1946 to put all the states in Malaya under one central control. There are seven main conditions that are listed by the Malayan Union government in the agreement paper.
First condition is all the states in Malaya comprise of Negeri Melayu Bersekutu, Negeri Melayu Tidak Bersekutu, and the two other Negeri Selat; Malacca and Penang will be united. A governor shall be appointed by the Queen of England to head the Malayan Union. In addition, Singapore is separated from the Malayan Union for its function as a free port to allow the trading processes take place efficiently. On top of that, the immigrant populations from China and India will be given equal citizenship rights in Malayan Union based on the principle of jus soli.
Moreover, Malay Rulers are only allowed to play a role in discussing matters related to Islamic religion and the customs of Malay. Thus, it is very obvious in this condition that they have no part to play in the country’s development especially in political, economical, and social aspects. Furthermore, each state would be administered by a British Commissioner Resident.
In a nutshell, the formation of Malayan Union is mainly to replace the traditional colonial system practiced by the inhabitants with the British orientated colonisation, Malayan Union. This would enable them to exploit the local natural resources such as tin ore, gold, and et cetera in economic area for their imperialism purpose. Besides, they have also succeeded to control the political power of Malay rulers via the profit-making system, Malayan Union. On the other hand, the monopoly on local politics is due to the strategic position of Malaya that is located between China and India, which has a high potential to attract more traders from both parts of the world. So, be aware of the British’s tricks and stick to the fact that our country needs independence as soon as possible so that we can decide our own independent political arrangement!
The establishment of Malayan Union as a new form of colonization in our country is one of the brilliant strategies of the British government in order to make profit from the local economical wealth. Still, many of us tend to let in British to rule our country for the second time after the surrender of Japanese due to the World War 2. This phenomenon is totally annoying the local Rulers as they are lacking of moral supports from the local people to fight against and chase away the foreign colonizer.
As everyone well knows, the Malayan Union government was officially proclaimed on last 1 April 1946 at King’s House (Carcosa Seri Negara), Kuala Lumpur .British government has made the agreement which is also known as Agreement of Malayan Union 1946 to put all the states in Malaya under one central control. There are seven main conditions that are listed by the Malayan Union government in the agreement paper.
First condition is all the states in Malaya comprise of Negeri Melayu Bersekutu, Negeri Melayu Tidak Bersekutu, and the two other Negeri Selat; Malacca and Penang will be united. A governor shall be appointed by the Queen of England to head the Malayan Union. In addition, Singapore is separated from the Malayan Union for its function as a free port to allow the trading processes take place efficiently. On top of that, the immigrant populations from China and India will be given equal citizenship rights in Malayan Union based on the principle of jus soli.
Moreover, Malay Rulers are only allowed to play a role in discussing matters related to Islamic religion and the customs of Malay. Thus, it is very obvious in this condition that they have no part to play in the country’s development especially in political, economical, and social aspects. Furthermore, each state would be administered by a British Commissioner Resident.
In a nutshell, the formation of Malayan Union is mainly to replace the traditional colonial system practiced by the inhabitants with the British orientated colonisation, Malayan Union. This would enable them to exploit the local natural resources such as tin ore, gold, and et cetera in economic area for their imperialism purpose. Besides, they have also succeeded to control the political power of Malay rulers via the profit-making system, Malayan Union. On the other hand, the monopoly on local politics is due to the strategic position of Malaya that is located between China and India, which has a high potential to attract more traders from both parts of the world. So, be aware of the British’s tricks and stick to the fact that our country needs independence as soon as possible so that we can decide our own independent political arrangement!
MALAYA PEOPLE HAVE ROSE TO OPPOSE MALAYAN UNION!!! - APRIL 6, 1946
The opposition towards the constitution of British orientated colonization, Malayan Union on past 1st of April 1946 has done by the Malaya people especially the inhabitants in multiple ways. Owing to this scenario, mass media have played an enormous role to voice out the opposition continuously. Malay newspapers such as Utusan Melayu, Majlis, and Warta Negara have been widely used for the purpose. Beside that, Malaya people have also held peace demonstrations when Sir Harold MacMichael was send to Malaya to make the Malay Rulers approve the formation of the Malayan Union. The demonstrations were held actively at the northern part of peninsula Malaya in capital states such as Kota Bharu, Kelantan and Alor Setar, Kedah.
In addition, Malay organizations that have inhibited during Japanese colonization were activated again to oppose the establishment of Malayan Union. They sent telegrams and opposition letters to London. On 23rd of January, Dato’ Onn Ja’afar has requested for the inhabitants to congress and this has resulted in the constitution of United Malay Organisation (U.M.O). The first Malay congress was held from 1st to 4th of March 1946 at Kelab Sultan Sulaiman, Kampung Baru, and Kuala Lumpur. The congress was attended by approximately 41 organisations from the peninsula Malaya.
Doto’ Onn Ja’afar has grabbed a fundamental victory by gathering and uniting the Malaya people from all states of Malaya via this congress. The outcome was the formation of the United Malay National Organisation (UMNO). Dato’ Onn Ja’afar became its first president and Johore Bharu became a hive of political activities. While, the second Malay congress was officially held on 30th and 31st of Mac 1946 to oppose the proclamation of Malayan Union on the next day, 1st of April 1946.
Moreover, the gatherings were also held at main states like Selangor in order to show the opposition to several members of British Parliament such as L.D. Gammans and David Reese Williams during their visit to the country. On the other hand, the Malay Rulers gathered at Kuala Kangsar on 28th of April 1946 to voice out their opposition to those British Parliament members too.
In addition, Malay organizations that have inhibited during Japanese colonization were activated again to oppose the establishment of Malayan Union. They sent telegrams and opposition letters to London. On 23rd of January, Dato’ Onn Ja’afar has requested for the inhabitants to congress and this has resulted in the constitution of United Malay Organisation (U.M.O). The first Malay congress was held from 1st to 4th of March 1946 at Kelab Sultan Sulaiman, Kampung Baru, and Kuala Lumpur. The congress was attended by approximately 41 organisations from the peninsula Malaya.
Doto’ Onn Ja’afar has grabbed a fundamental victory by gathering and uniting the Malaya people from all states of Malaya via this congress. The outcome was the formation of the United Malay National Organisation (UMNO). Dato’ Onn Ja’afar became its first president and Johore Bharu became a hive of political activities. While, the second Malay congress was officially held on 30th and 31st of Mac 1946 to oppose the proclamation of Malayan Union on the next day, 1st of April 1946.
Moreover, the gatherings were also held at main states like Selangor in order to show the opposition to several members of British Parliament such as L.D. Gammans and David Reese Williams during their visit to the country. On the other hand, the Malay Rulers gathered at Kuala Kangsar on 28th of April 1946 to voice out their opposition to those British Parliament members too.
How did Malaya People react towards MALAYAN UNION? - APRIL 6, 1946
MANY reactions appear amongst people of Malaya after the establishment of Malayan Union. Majority of them comprise of inhabitants strongly opposed the constitution of Malayan Union due to the following several factors. Malaya people absolutely disagree with Sir Harold McMichael who has forced the local Rulers to sign the agreement paper to approve the formation of Malayan Union quickly without being given an opportunity to consider or discuss the matter.
Furthermore, Sir Harold McMichael has blackmailed the hesitated Malay Rulers about the agreement with being replaced as can be seen clearly in Sultan Badlishah’s case. However, there were some Rulers too who agree with the new British political arrangement, Malayan Union for their good relationships with British government such as Selangor Sultan and Johor Sultan.
Besides, other factor that has led to the protestation is Malayan Union made the Malays loose their status as the indigenous people for, equal citizenship right based on the principle of jus soli which will be given to immigrant populations namely the Chinese and the Indians as stated in the agreement. In addition, the local people also worried about their Islamic Religion and Malay customs which may face extinction as the development of the country in most aspects is kept securely under British’s control.
On the other hand, immigrant populations and radical Malays have encouraged the establishment of Malayan Union for countless amounts of benefits that they would gain via this new political arrangement. In brief, the advantages are: It fastens the independence process in our country, it supports the lives of immigrants in the country, it unites all the states of Malaya, It unites multiple Islamic organizations in the country to a single unit, and et cetera. The radical Malay parties and organizations available in the country are Malaya Malay National Party (Parti Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya), Angkatan Pemuda Insaf (API), Angkatan Wanita Sedar (AWAS), and Barisan Tani Malaya (BATAS).
Moreover, Malayan Democratic Union (MDU) is a political party started in Singapore by Tan Cheng Lock. Thousands of immigrants gathered in the All Malayan Council of Joint Action (AMCJA) which was guided by Tan Cheng Lock to state their satisfaction regarding to the constitution of Malayan Union.
Furthermore, Sir Harold McMichael has blackmailed the hesitated Malay Rulers about the agreement with being replaced as can be seen clearly in Sultan Badlishah’s case. However, there were some Rulers too who agree with the new British political arrangement, Malayan Union for their good relationships with British government such as Selangor Sultan and Johor Sultan.
Besides, other factor that has led to the protestation is Malayan Union made the Malays loose their status as the indigenous people for, equal citizenship right based on the principle of jus soli which will be given to immigrant populations namely the Chinese and the Indians as stated in the agreement. In addition, the local people also worried about their Islamic Religion and Malay customs which may face extinction as the development of the country in most aspects is kept securely under British’s control.
On the other hand, immigrant populations and radical Malays have encouraged the establishment of Malayan Union for countless amounts of benefits that they would gain via this new political arrangement. In brief, the advantages are: It fastens the independence process in our country, it supports the lives of immigrants in the country, it unites all the states of Malaya, It unites multiple Islamic organizations in the country to a single unit, and et cetera. The radical Malay parties and organizations available in the country are Malaya Malay National Party (Parti Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya), Angkatan Pemuda Insaf (API), Angkatan Wanita Sedar (AWAS), and Barisan Tani Malaya (BATAS).
Moreover, Malayan Democratic Union (MDU) is a political party started in Singapore by Tan Cheng Lock. Thousands of immigrants gathered in the All Malayan Council of Joint Action (AMCJA) which was guided by Tan Cheng Lock to state their satisfaction regarding to the constitution of Malayan Union.
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