3.3  The Malayan Union and People's Reaction to it

Presentation

After the defeat of Japanese in the World War II, the British came back to Malaya and managed to contain the communist guerillas activities. After that, the British introduced a new form of government that was called Malayan Union in 1945. However, the Malayan Union was not implemented due to opposition from the local people especially the Malays. As a result, it was dissolved in 1946. Do you know why the Malayan Union failed? Let us look at the reasons:

a) Strong opposition from the Malays

Malay rulers would lose their power and sovereignty

The Malay rulers were threatened and forced to sign the Malayan Union agreement

The Malays will be at a disadvantage as they would lose their special rights on their homeland

Malayan Union favored the non-Malays like easy granting of citizenship through the Jus-Soli concept

b) No strong support from the non-Malays because it excluded Singapore

c) Wrong timing

Racial tension and hostility still existed

Malaya was not really in peace

Social and economic problems were obvious

3.3  The Malayan Union and People's Reaction to it

d) Wrong introduction because it did not consider the situation in Malaya and the wishes of the people

e) Opposition from former British administrators in Malaya who urged the British to protect the interests and special
     rights of the Malays.