MASYARAKAT MAJMUK DI TANAH MELAYU DAN USAHA KE ARAH MEMUPUK KERJASAMA ANTARA KAUM, 1946-1957

Abstract

The Malayan society was a multi-racial community with different backgrounds, cultures, languages, religions and beliefs. These differences became more obvious when they were segregated by occupations, settlements and education. These circumstances had influenced the plural society and racial relationships in Malaya during the British administration. Unhealthy racial tension started to emerge during the japanese Occupation. After the end of World War II, ethnic conflicts increased with several issues in relation to citizenship to the non-Malays and their domination in economic sectors. Ethnic relations also influenced by education issue, Chinese involvement in communist movement and various counter communist insurgency measures including Resettlement Scheme and Manpower Regulation and the establishment of People's Republic of China further heightened the Sino-Malay hostility. Leaders of the communities attempted in various ways to bring about greater integration among the several disparate ethnic groups into a stable society in Malaya. Such as, the suggestions to admit the non-Malays into UMNO, the establishment of Communities Liason Committee and the founding of several political parties including, IMP, Parti Negara, MCA and ultimately the Alliance Party.