What problems are germane to the decolonization process in Malay Peninsula?
The Malay Peninsula comprises of South Myanmar (Burma), Southern Thailand, Malaya, Singapore. Its population comprises majority Malays and minorities Chinese and Indians. During WW-II, Malaya was overrun by Japanese troops. After the defeat of Japan in WW-II, the British had to put down a communist insurgency in the peninsula. With increasing anti-colonialism, the British found it pertinent as well as convenient to hand over the reins of power to indigenous Malay.
During British rule, rubber plantations were the main source of revenue. Huge number of Chinese and Indian laborers migrated to the peninsula for employment. The revolution in synthetic rubber caused distress in this sector.
Moreover, the Malayan government policies of preferential treatment to indigenous Malays increased social tensions in the region.
Post British exit, the Malaysian federation including British Malay, North Borneo- Sarawak and Sabah along with Singapore was created in 1963. Singapore opted out of the federation due to political and economic differences and became a separate country.
Apart from the ruins of WW-II, Malay Peninsula had to manage the social tensions, economic issues (especially the slump in rubber demand) and tackle a communist insurgency when British departed from the region.
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