Malayan Union 1946

• A new system of administration formulated after Japanese occupation. A post-war political and administrative change. Tabled in the British Parliament in October 1945. Sir Harold MacMichael appointed as the British representative to get the approval of the Malay rulers. Malayan Union report published in January 1946. Implemented 1st April 1946.

-A union of FMS, UFMS, Penang and Malacca -No more individual rule by the Sultans• Reasons for Malayan Union -To standardize administration under one political unit so that

British could exercise overall control and bring about administrative efficiency. The 3 political units even though under British control, but were independent of each other. Union would bring about common rules and balance economic development between the states.

-Cut down administrative cost especially after Japanese occupation. Resources to be used to mobilize British defences against future attacks.

-A stepping stone towards training the Malays for self-government where the local people were to rule but in adherence to British political system. Some British officials were in favour of decolonization.

-Some historians even feel that M.U. was formulated to punish the Malays who were pro-Japanese and co-operated with them. The formation of the M.U could control and restrict the power of the Malays.

-British wanted to give more rights to the non-Malays since they needed support of the Chinese regarding their policy in China. Any arrangements regarding Malaya was to involve the immigrants whom a/c to British had contributed economically to the prosperity of Malaya. Setting up a multi-racial society where all citizens have equal rights is a way of rewarding them.

-To bring together the three major communities in Malaya into one strong united Malayan community. Immigrants loyalty towards their homeland needed to be shifted towards Malaya. Their economic wealth to remain in Malaya.

-To safeguard British investments in Malaya and Singapore, an efficient system of government was essential. This would ensure better economic growth and benefit the British economically. Malaya was an important source of revenue for the British.

• Features of Malayan Union -9 states, Penang and Malacca under the control of a

Governor with its administrative capital at Kuala Lumpur and aided by an Executive and Legislative Council

-Singapore separate British territorial colony under a British Governor General

-The Governor responsible to new Governor-General of Singapore, Malayan Union and Borneo Territories.

-State Commissioner to lead the administration at State level assisted by State Councils which was to be retained but to

come direct under central government. -Rulers had authority on matters pertaining to religion and

headed the Malay Council of Advisors. Lost their sovereignty and political powers.. Received pension from the British Government.

-Citizenship no longer restricted to natives. Granted to non-Malays if 18 and above and had resided in Malaya for 10 out of 15 years before 15 February 1942. Also granted to those born in Malaya or Singapore before or after the formation of M.U.

Any person born outside M.U. but whose father was a citizen could become a citizen. Granted also to any person who had lived in the M.U. or Singapore for at least 5 out of 8 years immediately preceding their application for citizenship but must be of good character, could speak Malay or English, has taken an oath of allegiance to Malaya or Singapore and will live there.

Opposition towards Malayan Union – reasons -Sultans powers undermined. Could not be accepted

by the Malays since Sultans were symbols of power and sovereignty. Local rulers not given the opportunity to study or to be part of M.U. All matters decided in London.

-Malays lost special rights status. Equal rights give to all irrespective of race or country of origin. This included entry into government service and right to vote. Citizens could also hold dual nationality.

-Malay rulers were given a short time 91 day) to read the conditions of M.U and not given a chance to discuss them. Malays not consulted. Proposal was on 10 October 1945. Sultans’ agreement obtained by January 1946. 22 January 1946, proposal published. 1st April1946 officially proclaimed.

-MacMichael said to have used force, threat and blackmailed the Sultans to sign the agreement.

• Opposition towards M.U. -Strong opposition from the Malays. Shown through Malay

press Majlis, Utusan Melayu which carried letters and reports against M.U. Later opposition became more aggressive.

-20/11/45, 8 Malay organizations formed the Malay League of Johore

-1/3/1946, conference organized by Dato Onn involving 41 Malay Associations at Sultan Sulaiman Club

-1/4/46 Peninsula Malay Movement of Johore under Dato’ Onn Jaafar formed the Pan Malayan Malay Congress which later took the name UMNO. The slogan ‘Long Live The Malays’ attracted tremendous support.

- Held a state of mourning for 7 days. Nationwide opposition individually and collectively.

- Rulers boycotted the inauguration ceremony of M.U. and appointment of governor.

- Opposition shown towards citizenship given to Chinese and Indians because it threatened Malay economic and political position in Malaya. Non-Malays outnumbered Malays.1947 Malays only 47.46%. Malays did not want to lose their bumi status and special rights and did not want to turn Malaya into a British colony dominated by non-Malays. Upper class Malays feared competition in the civil service.

• Reasons for M.U. failure - No support of Malay rulers and Malays. Rulers lost

sovereignty and power and Malays lost special privileges. M.U. said to favour nons and putting Malays at a disadvantage.

- Non-Malays did not show much interest because British postponed the enforcement of citizenship rights. Not interested in political developments in Malaya. Still showed allegiance towards country of origin. Also not ready for drastic change yet. Felt British should concentrate on improving conditions in Malaya. Malaya was not stable politically, economically and socially. Communal feelings still strong. Not happy too because union did not include Singapore.

-MacMichael approach was considered wrong. Antagonized the Malays who were strong in their loyalty towards their king. The rulers loss of power meant loss of Malay power.

- British officers who had worked in Malaya opposed M.U. Frank Swettenham, Winstedt, George Maxwell, Cecil Clementi Smith condemned M.U. because Malay rulers’ sovereignty and special rights of Malays would be taken away. Their comments appeared in newspapers in London.

• Many demonstrations held against M.U. 10,000 demonstrated in Kelantan in December 1945.

• British could not ignore the opposition. They would become unpopular and would fail to get Malay co-operation in future. Malays might become more violent and more extreme groups like MCP would gain strength. Malay nationalist spirit was beginning to rise.

• British disappointed with Chinese and Indians who supported MCP and not very happy with British proposals

• Britain finally agreed to replace M.U. with a new form of government – Federation of Malaya.

- M.U. saw the birth of Malay politics. It raised the political consciousness of the Malays and encouraged support for Malay nationalism