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Decolonisation in Malaya and Singapore (Malaya (However, GB feared a…
Decolonisation in Malaya and Singapore
Malaya
Malayan rubber important earner of US $
Malaya ethnically divided between Chinese (38.4%), Indians & Malay (49.5%)
United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) 3/1946 represented Malay peoples
Malay Chinese Association (MCA) & Malayan Communist Party (MCP) represented the Chinese
1945-8 saw strikes by Chinese dominated labour unions 1948 Federation of Malaya created by British
GB concerned about communist attacks on rubber plantations so declared State of Emergency 6/1948
Colonial authorities used military force & arrest of suspected communist to restore order
1948-52 – Malayan Emergency (although not finally over until 1960); GB High Commissioner assassinated; 6,500 communists dead, 2,500 govt. forces dead, inc. 500 British
1952-4 saw Malay & Chinese unite & win 81% in 1955 federal election
However, GB feared a rebellion because of the success of the Vietminh at Dien Bien Phu against the French
1955 Reid Commission drew up democratic constitution
1957 Malaya independent but GB military presence still in Singapore and Malaya collaborated with GB economically, e.g. remained in Sterling Area so GB colonial control changed into informal influence
1963 Malaya, Singapore, Sabah (N. Borneo) & Sarawak joined to form Malaysia but in 1965 Singapore left Malaysian Federation
Singapore
Singapore militarily & strategically important for GB influence in S. E. Asia
Singapore predominantly Chinese & had significant control of its affairs whilst in British Empire
1947-8 given own govt. with Executive & Legislative Councils however Only 6/25 seats elected… by GB subjects only! (10% population = c.23,000)
Communist insurgents active in Singapore
1953, to win over population, Legislative Council enlarged to 32 seats with 25 chosen by an electorate of c.300,000
By 1955 Legislative Council dominated by left wing parties, LW parties discussed self-rule with GB
1957 Singapore attained full internal self-govt. as part of GB Empire (State of Singapore Act 1958)
1963 GB decided Singapore should join Federation of Malaysia but race riots led to breakdown of public order so
8/1965 Singapore became fully independent