Archives and post-colonial state-sponsored history: A dual state approach using the case of the “migrated archives”

Abstract

Using the cases of Malaysia and Singapore, this chapter explores the role of the national archive in relation to state-sponsored history through the course of the decolonization process. Archival concepts and principles such as appraisal, selection, and access form the basis for the study. Particular attention is paid to the case of the so-called “Migrated Archives” that were hidden by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom. Further focus is on Singapore’s use of its national archives to create a master national historical narrative that suits the goals of the post-colonial independent state. The chapter concludes with a look towards using the same archives as a means of writing counter-narratives based on how one interacts with and “reads” an archive.