Formation of the Federation of

Malaya (1948-1963)

By, Kerk Yan Juin AJ13b

• After dissolution of Malayan Union, British appointed a working committee to draw up a new constitution to replace them.

• 6 British Officer, 4 representative of Malay Ruler and 2 UMNO representatives works in the new constituition.

• Reasons:• 1) Protection for the sovereignty

and powers of Malay rulers

2) more stringent conditions for citizenship for non-malay

3) special rights for malayBritish reinstated the rights of

Malays because of pressure from malay and former British administration.

• 1 Feb 1948---> Establishment Federation of Malaya

• British high commissioner as head, comprised 9 malay states together with malacca and penang.

• Singapore was excluded but still remained a British colony.

• legislative council and the federal executive council assisted the high commissioner, malay rulers were returned their rights over their own states

• condition of citizenship more strict

• State government has the rights and responsibility

• Recognised:Conditions for

citizenship became more strict

Special rights for the Malays

Opposition it faced

• 1. Opposition from AMCJA

Tan Cheng Lock led AMCJA opposed new constitution

fought three principles: 1.unification of the whole

malaya, include singapore 2.self rule through a central

legislation body with members chosen by the people

3. same citizenship right for all who consider malaya their homeland

• Opposition from PUTERA

ambition to make Malaya a republic Criticize UMNO’s leadership fought on 4 principles: 1- Malay language as country official

language

2- external affairs and defense be made the joint responsibility of the Malayan gov and british

3- the word"malay" used as the name for malayan citizenship

4- national flag have malay national color

• 3-- AMCJA-PUTERA front

March 1947, AMCJA analgamated with PUTERAunder leadership of Dr Burhanuddin Al-Helmi.

teamed up to oppose fed of malaya, forming '"people's Constitution" in April 1947.

British rejected it as it is being radical.

20 Oct 1947, AMCJA-PUTERA coalition launched hartal- a 'close shop' strike throughout malaya but checked by British.

~The End~