2. The New Constitution Proposal
The British finally agreed to replace the MU with a
new form of government, known as the Federation
of Malaya.
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.
The British reinstated the rights of the Malays
However, constitution was opposed by other
groups, especially the non-Malays and Malay
community itself.
3. Opposition From AMCJA
led by Tun Tan Cheng
AMCJA (All Malayan Council of Joint Action)
established on 22 Dec 1946 Lock,
consisted of MIC, Malayan People’s Anti-Japanese Ex-
Services Comrades Association and the Pan-Malayan
Federation of Trade Union.
4. AMCJA fought on six principles:-
1. Unification of whole Malaya, including Singapore
2. Self rule through a Central Legislation body which
members chosen by the people
3. Same citizenship rights for all who consider
Malaya their homeland deserving of their
allegiance.
4. The sovereignty of the Malay rulers can be
continued but should be based on the principle of
constitutional monarchy;
5. Matters pertaining to the Islamic religion and
customs should be left to the Malay community;
6. The Malays should be given special attention to
advance
5. Pusat Tenaga Rakyat (PUTERA)
Left wing 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.
Later, all these three parties joint together to form
Pusat Tenaga Rakyat (PUTERA) under the
chairmanship of Dr. Burhanuddin Helmi
6. Four suggestions proposed by PUTERA:
1. The Malay language would be the official language
of the country;
2. External Affairs and Defense be made the joint
responsibility of the Malayan Government and the
British;
3. The term “Malay” be used as the name for Malayan
citizenship;
4. The national flag would contain the national
colours of the Malay people
7. AMCJA-PUTERA
In March 1947, AMCJA merge with PUTERA and led
by Dr Burhanuddin Al-Helmi
They formed the People’s Constitution in April 1947.
The British rejected.
On 20 Oct 1947, they launched hartal – a close
shop strike throughout Malaya but was checked by
the British.
8. FEDERATION OF MALAYA
On 21st January 1948, Federation of Malaya
government get approval from malays Rulers to
replaced Malayan Union.
The new system of administration was officially
launched on 1 February 1948 despite being opposed
by certain groups.
9. Features of the Federation of Malaya
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; 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;
10. Features of the Federation of Malaya
The administration of Malacca and Penang came
under Resident Commissioner
The Executive Council was to advise the HC
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.
11. CONDITIONS FOR AWARDING OF
CITIZENSHIP
Tno jus Soli.
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.
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.
