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The story of Malaysia's independence

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Last Update: 2024-08-13View: 128

The story of Malaysia's independence is filled with struggle, unity, and hope. After World War II, Malaya was occupied by Japan, and after the war, the British regained control of Malaya. However, the people of Malaya had already begun to realize the importance of national independence. The independence movement in Malaya reached its peak in 1946 with the formation of the Malayan Union, but due to insufficient protection of Malay rights, widespread protests erupted. In this context, the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), under the leadership of Dato' Onn Jaafar, rose to prominence, actively fighting for the rights of the Malay people.

However, Malaysia's independence was not just a Malay struggle; it was the result of the collective efforts of all ethnic groups. In addition to UMNO, the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) and the Malayan Indian Congress (MIC) also played important roles in the independence movement. MCA, founded in 1949, aimed to protect the rights of the Chinese in Malaya. Its leader, Tan Cheng Lock, actively participated in independence negotiations, working alongside UMNO leaders and other representatives to ensure that the rights of the Chinese community were safeguarded in the new nation. Meanwhile, the MIC represented the Indian community in Malaya. Founded in 1946, MIC was an important member of the Alliance Party. Its leader, V.T. Sambanthan, also played a crucial role in the independence negotiations, ensuring that the Indian community would have equal rights and opportunities in post-independence Malaya.

After years of negotiations and efforts, on August 31, 1957, the Federation of Malaya officially declared independence, becoming the independent nation of Malaya and ending more than 400 years of colonial rule. This day also became Malaysia's National Day. In 1963, Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore formed the Federation of Malaysia, although Singapore withdrew in 1965 to become an independent country. Malaysia's independence was not only a political victory but also a symbol of the collaboration and unity of UMNO, MCA, and MIC, which paved the way for the nation's modernization and multicultural development.