FEDERATION OF MALAYA

PERSEKUTUAN TANAH MELAYU (PTM)

FEDERATION OF MALAYA

The British finally agreed to replace the MU with a new form of government, known as the Federation of Malaya.
The new system of administration was officially launched on 1 February 1948 despite being opposed by certain groups.

Protest against Malayan Union

The New Constitution Proposal

A working committee was formed on 25 July 1946 to draw up a new constitution.

The committee members consisted of 6 British officers, 4 representatives of the Malay rulers and 2 UMNO representatives.

Its Challenges

The British reinstated the rights of the Malays because of pressure from the Malays and former British administrators.
However, the constitution too was opposed by other groups, especially the non-Malays and Malay community itself.

Opposition From AMCJA

Non-Malays objected as the working committee did not include any non-Malay.
AMCJA (All Malayan Council of Joint Action) established on 22 Dec 1946 led by Tun Tan Cheng Lock, consisted of MIC, Malayan Peoples Anti-Japanese Ex-Services Comrades Association and the Pan-Malayan Federation of Trade Union.

Tun Tan Cheng Lock

Pusat Tenaga Rakyat (PUTERA)

Malays from the Parti Kebangsaan Melayu Malaya (PKMM), Angkatan Pemuda Insaf (API), Angkatan Wanita Sedar (AWAS) also protested, the Working Committee compromised too much with the British and the Malays will lose out.

Pusat Tenaga Rakyat (PUTERA)

Later, all these three parties joint together to form Pusat Tenaga Rakyat (PUTERA) under the chairmanship of Dr. Burhanuddin Helmi.

Opposition From AMCJA-PUTERA

PMCJA (AMCJA)-PUTERA launched hartal a close shop strike through out Malaya but was checked by the British

AMCJA fought on six principles:1. 2.

3.

Unification of whole Malaya, including Singapore Self rule through a Central Legislation body which members chosen by the people Same citizenship rights for all who consider Malaya their homeland deserving of their allegiance.

AMCJA fought on six principles:4.

5. 6.

The sovereignty of the Malay rulers can be continued but should be based on the principle of constitutional monarchy; Matters pertaining to the Islamic religion and customs should be left to the Malay community; The Malays should be given special attention to advance

Four suggestions proposed by PUTERA:

1. 2.

3. 4.

The Malay language would be the official language of the country; External Affairs and Defense be made the joint responsibility of the Malayan Government and the British; The term Malay be used as the name for Malayan citizenship; The national flag would contain the national colours of the Malay people

AMCJA-PUTERA Front

In March 1947, AMCJA amalgamated with PUTERA and led by Dr Burhanuddin Al-Helmi to opposed PMT. They formed the Peoples Constitution in April 1947. The British rejected it as being radical. They accused UMNO as pro-British.

 AMCJA-PUTERA Front

On 20 Oct 1947, they launched hartal a close shop strike throughout Malaya but was checked by the British. The AMCJA-PUTERA coalition showed that communities of different backgrounds could join together for the same cause.

The Launch of the Federation of Malaya

On 21st January 1948, signatures of 9 Malay rulers were obtained, and in February 1948 Federation of Malaya government replaced that of Malayan Union.

Features of the Federation of Malaya

1.

The Federation of Malaya would comprise nine Malay States and the Straits Settlements of Penang and Malacca
Headed by a High Commissioner (HC) appointed by the British;

2.

Features of the Federation of Malaya

3.

A Federal Legislative Council and an Executive Council to be under the chairmanship of the HC;
The Malay rulers were returned their rights over their own states;

4.

Features of the Federation of Malaya

5.

The administration of Malacca and Penang came under Resident Commissioner

The Executive Council was to advise the HC

6.

Features of the Federation of Malaya

7.

8. 9.

A Council of Rulers was to be formed to advise the HC esp. on matters related to immigration Each state would have a State Council Conditions for citizenship became more strict and the special rights of the Malays were recognized.

CONDITIONS FOR AWARDING OF CITIZENSHIP

The citizenship qualifications were tightened. Those who were born in the Federation or whose father was a Federation citizen would automatically become Federation citizens. Those born in Singapore would not become Federation citizens.

CONDITIONS FOR AWARDING OF CITIZENSHIP

Those eligible for application to become a citizen were: Those born in the Federation and who had lived there for 8 out of the 12 years preceding application; Those who had lived in the Federation at least 15 out of the 20 years preceding the application.