IMR455 FINDING AIDS_MALAYAN EMERGENCY_GROUP 4

FINDING AIDS :

THE
MALAYAN
EMERGENCY
(1948 - 1960)

UNIVERSITY TECHNOLOGY MARA
PUNCAK PERDANA CAMPUS, SHAH ALAM

BACHELOR OF INFORMATION SCIENCE (HONS.)
INFORMATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT (IM245)

ADMINISTRATION OF ARCHIVES

(IMR455)

PREPARED FOR: PROFESOR MADYA DR SAIFUL

FARIK BIN MAT YATIN

PREPARED BY:

IYLIA ADLINA BINTI ARPIZAN 2020515769
MUHAMMAD AZRIN BIN ARBA'E 2020495342
NAJLA SHAHIRA BINTI ZUKIMI 2020940369
ROBIYATUL ADAWIYAH BINTI MOHD 2020909943
SHOKRI
SITI MAISARAH BINTI ABDUL JALIL 2020949817

EXPLANATORY NOTES

This finding aid book is provided to facilitate the retrieval and use of records and archival materials related to the Malayan
Emergency (1948-1960). A variety of information can be acquired from electronic and non-electronic sources. The list of
materials available includes records related to the collection of images, documents, and more.
This finding aid book aims to help researchers find the materials in a collection that will be most easy and helpful. All
materials are listed by collection type documenting a simple inventory and description of selected materials. The content
of this finding aid is based on the material available in the National Archives of Malaysia.

1

No. Abbreviation ABBREVIATIONS
1 MCP
2 SC Explanatory
3 MPAJA Malayan Communist Party
4 MRLA
5 RAF Special Constables
6 RFMAF Malayan People’s Anti-Japanese Army
7 UMNO
Malayan Races Liberation Army
Royal Air Force

Royal Federation of Malayan Air Force
United Malays National Organisation

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXPLANATORY NOTES………………………..…………………………………….... 1
ABBREVATIONS………………………...……………………………………………… 2
TABLE OF CONTENT…………………………………………………………………... 3
INTRODUCTION…..……………………………………………………………….…. .. 4
CHAPTER 1 BEFORE MALAYAN EMERGENCY (1948 - 1960) …………..………. 5 - 8
CHAPTER 2 DURING MALAYAN EMERGENCY (1948 - 1960)……………...……. 9 - 12
CHAPTER 3 AFTER MALAYAN EMERGENCY (1948 - 1960)……………...……... 13 - 15
CHAPTER 4 CEREMONIES (1960)……………………………………………….….. 16 - 19
CHAPTER 5 NORTABLE PERSON…………………………………………………... 20 – 23
CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………….…………. 24
LIST OF ARCHIVAL MATERIALS……………………………………….………….. 25 – 28
LIST OF FIGURES……………………………………………………………...……... 29 – 31
REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………….…. 32 – 33
INDEXES……………………………………………………………………....……….. 34 – 35

3

INTRODUCTION

During the Malayan Emergency, Australian soldiers fought alongside British Commonwealth forces against communist
rebels. The Malayan Chinese majority among the rebels wanted to topple the British colonial government in Malaya. The battle is
referred to as a "Emergency" because on June 18, 1948, the British proclaimed a State of Emergency in Malaya following the murder
of three European plantation managers by insurgents in the state of Perak in the country's north.

Finding aid book is provided to facilitate the retrieval and use of records and archival materials related to the Malayan
Emergency (1948-1960). A variety of information can be acquired from electronic and non-electronic sources. The list of materials
available includes records related to the collection of images, documents, and more.

The Malayan Emergency resulted from the political and ideological unrest that followed the Second World War in Asia, as
well as from a history of hostility between the British and Malayan Chinese. Additionally, when the British regained control of Malaya
after the war, the new government did not take decisive or persistent action to address the country's social and economic issues.
Indecisiveness also characterised the administration's early response to the communists' increasing violence.

The communist cause's proclaimed anti-colonialism was rendered meaningless when Malaya became an independent
federation in August 1957 with Tunku Abdul Rahman as Prime Minister. In fact, the new administration was now free to refer to the
conflict with the rebels as "the People's War." By 1958, when the last sizable guerrilla group still on the loose in Malaya surrendered
at Telok Anson in Perak, the conflict was essentially done. Other insurgents retreated north into the isolated regions close to and over
the Thai border. However, the State of Emergency in Malaya did not officially expire until July 31, 1960. At that point, more than
3,000 civilians, 1,800 Malayan and Commonwealth soldiers, and 6,700 rebels had perished in the fight.

4

Before Malayan
Emergency (1948-1960)

5

The Malayan Emergency occurred between 1948 and 1960 within the Malay Peninsula. The Figure 1: Pasukan Askar Bintang Tiga Dibubarkan
emergency occurred due to several factors including the spread of communism in China and Secara Rasmi; 1.12.1945
Malaya, the effects of World War II, and tensions between ethnic communities. The Japanese Accession Number: 2001/0048894W
occupation of Malaya set the schedule during World War II. The Japanese policy of secession and
order exacerbated the shift between the Malay community, who considered themselves indigenous, Figure 2: World War II, Houses Damaged as a Result
and the Chinese community, who were considered by the Malays to be foreigners. Moreover, of Bombing, Kuala Lumpur; 00.00.1945
Chinese society took lead in trade, but many Chinese were forced by the occupation to squat as Accession Number: 2001/0040242W
subsistence farmers on the edge of the forest, without legal land ownership.. British political control
over Malaya, part of the colony and part of the shadow, had the potential to handle communal 6
tensions.

In December 1941, the invasion by the Japenese began and in 10 weeks, it had taken control
of Malaya. Following this, a small group of Malayan guerrillas was trained by the British army to
prepare for any eventuality. As soon as the war became a reality, the Malayan People’s Anti-
Japanese Army (MPAJA) was established to against the Japanese population in Malaya in the midst
of World War II. The army during that time was mostly made up of a few Malays and Chinese
Communists, with several Chinese Kuomintang (Nationalists). However, since most of the military
was Chinese, the Communist Party could infiltrate and persuade the guerrillas by emphasizing that
Malaya after the war will be a Communist via their efforts. Moreover, since MPAJA was the only
local against the Japanese, MPAJA has received aid from Great Britain with supplies and officers.
They also received recruits as well as supplies from Malays and Chinese outside the jungle. In 1942,
the jungle fighter's total increased from about 3,000 fighters to 7,000 male, and female fighters in
1945. However, on British advice, the MPAJA refrained from taking significant action opposed to
the Japanese, however, after the war, Communist-indoctrinated MPAJA members emerged as
heroes. This army tried to seize political power for a short time and was unsuccessful before the
British army returned. On 1 December 1945, as seen in figure 1 the MPAJA was formally disbanded
as a result of its members turning to the returning British forces.

Figure 3: Incident at Sitiawan on 10.10.1946 Legalizing communist power through unjust actions led to the outbreak of fights between
The Communist Party of Malaya Petition the Malays and the Chinese following the withdrawal of the Japanese army. This clearly happened
Accession Number: 1957/0620922W on October 10, 1946, the Trade Unions, Women's Unions, and other Sitiawan Associations jointly
held a meeting in Sitiawan to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Republic of China. On
that day and the days following it, several people were beaten and kidnapped by a group of thugs.
The total number of thugs involved was about 60 people and they were armed with aerated water
bottles and changkol holders. These incidents have been reported to the police station in Sitiawan
but little has been done by the police to stop the heinous acts of these thugs, which are driven by
police indifference which has clearly increased their activities. Following this, the residents of the
town have concluded that the officer in charge of the police force in Sitiawan is screening the act.

Among the atrocities that have been committed include several thugs forcing shopkeepers
to remove the USSR flag from decorations, removing Simpang Tiga Women's Union signboards
as well as the property being damaged, and receipts, documents, and photos of the Union being
removed. What is worse, about 30 of the thugs had thrashed Lim Chu Yee, a barber in Batu Tiga
causing Lim to suffer severe head injuries. They also damaged his truck engine including five

\\\\\badly damaged tires. Leong Teck Kong, a member of the Simpang Empat Providers Association

was also injured when he cycled to Kampong Kor. At that time, he was surrounded by three thugs,
namely Kong Chong, Yer Kow, and Pit Chee. They had thrown his bike and he was knocked with
a stick by them until he fainted. Various forms of atrocities have been committed causing the MCP
needs to make a petition as shown in figure 4. The MCP has also put forward several proposals
such as urging the Perak Resident Commissioner to take drastic action to check the disturbance of
the peace and asking for the detention and punishment of the thugs.

7

On June 16, 1948, three European farm managers in Sungai Siput, Perak were killed by Figure 4: Perlembagaan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu,
the communists. Following the incident, the British High Commissioner in Malaya, Sir Edward Pemasyhuran Undang-Undang Darurat Tahun 1948
Gent declared a state of emergency. Emergency Laws are enforced in certain areas in the state of Accession Number: 2001/0047776W
Perak such as in Sungai Siput and Ipoh as well as in Johor which includes the districts of Muar,
Kluang, and Kulai. Several general regulations have been made under the Emergency Laws Figure 5: Petition for Release or Visit Persons
including The Emergency (Criminal Trials) Regulations 1948, The Emergency (Detained Persons) Arrested Under the Emergency Regulations
Regulations 1948, The Emergency (Registration Areas) Regulations 1948, The Emergency Accession Number: 1957/0577717W
(Auxiliary Police) Regulations 1948, and The Emergency (Travel Restrictions) Regulations 1948.
The Proclamation of the Emergency Law of 1948 gave the government broad powers to impose 8
severe punishments on those who aided the communists, including the death penalty on those
found carrying firearms. For anyone found to have MCP documents and spreading propaganda on
behalf of the MCP, a prison sentence of up to 10 years will be imposed. Several special powers
were also issued with regard to arrests, detentions, public gatherings, curfews, inspections of
suspected persons and houses, and closure of roads, alleys, and rivers.

Beyond that, politics in Malaya during the period 1948-1960 was very restricted by
Emergency regulations, where they are restricted to freedom of movement, freedom of speech,
and freedom of publication. Newspapers are required to obtain a license each year to publish.
Information censorship has been enforced. All social organizations and political parties must be
registered under the Societies Act. In addition, public gatherings or demonstrations are not
permitted. These measures are taken to ensure political stability and national security. Therefore,
freedoms and human rights were not nurtured during the Emergency. The declaration of the
Emergency Law showed the government's determination to fight the communists while at the
same time it was also a challenge for the MCP to continue their activities.

During Malayan
Emergency (1948-1960)

9

Figure 6: Suasana Semasa Darurat (1948-1960) The three names that started the Malayan emergency are Arthur Walker, John
Accession Number: 1998/0007136W Allison, and Ian Christian. The death of these three European plantation managers in
Sungai Siput, Perak, caused the implementation of the Emergency Law throughout
Figure 7: Suasana Semasa Darurat (1948-1960) Malaya. Those three European plantation managers were killed by communists known as
Accession Number: 1998/0007139W the Malayan Communist Party (MCP). The main reason why the MCP began killing
people was because they wanted to overthrow the colonial government, which at the time
was the British colonial government, and build a communist state in Malaya, known as the
Communist People's Democratic Republic of Malaya. As a result, all MCP members began
to form numerous political organisations, as well as youth and trade unions.

The Comintern's Far Eastern Bureau based in Shanghai took over operational
control of the MCP. The MCP received instructions from the Comintern, and they felt that
all the struggle they have been done to achieve their political goals had failed, and as a
result, the MCP changed its struggle patterns to armed insurgency. Chin Peng, the MCP's
head, has called for violence and a strike in order to achieve their political goals. Despite
the fact that the Emergency Law was in place across Malaya, communists continued to
endanger the country's peace and security, as shown in Figure 4, where the Aik Hoe rubber
industry was destroyed as a result of communist action.

Because Malaya's economy is completely reliant on rubber production, MCP has
been destroying and cutting down rubber trees, as well as tin mines, since mid-1948, in
order to cripple and degrade Malayan economy. Apart from that, communists engaged in
a variety of sabotage efforts against crucial infrastructure, including transportation and
communication systems. Railroad tracks were destroyed, damaged, and rerouted by
communists.

10

The government has made numerous efforts to remove communism and restore the Figure 8: Pasukan 'special constable' sedang memeriksa
country's peace. Empowering the security forces, which include the police, army, and volunteers is kenderaan di salah sebatang jalanraya semasa darurat dalam
one of the attempts made. To keep the responsibility of destroying the communist movement tahun 1950.
together, the police force established a number of new branches and units. Guy C. Madoc, the chief Accession Number: 1998/0007120W
of the intelligence agency, establishes a special branch of the police force. This team is dedicated
to all intelligence work, with the goal of learning about the MCP's next operations. The team Figure 9: Pasukan 'flying squad dalam satu gerakan semasa darurat.
members of the special branch will disguise themselves as communists in order to obtain Accession Number: 1998/0007838W
information about MCP. The success of this special branch in infiltrating the MCP will make the
security forces' planned operation against the MCP much easier. Special Constables (SC) are other 11
police units. SC are being trained in large numbers which are 24 thousand since they will be on the
front lines in the fight against the communist threat. These units will be stationed and guarded in
the fields and minefields.

The Forest Police Force, which was formerly known as the Flying Squad, went through a
number of name changes until becoming known as the Forest Police Force on October 18, 1958.
This unit's main responsibilities were hunting down communists, patrolling the outskirts of forests,
and delivering all food supplies to the teams on duty in the forest and those guarding the fort.
Barbara D.R. Wentworth was the first female police officer and was given the duty of organising
the women's police force by the government. Communists usually have their own jungle hideouts,
and the Senoi Praaq team known as "The Silent Killers" was formed to track down those hideouts.

As communists continued to attack the village, in December 1948, a total of 17,000
Auxiliary Police were formed, with the primary mission of defending the village and towns from
communist attacks and assisting the police in countering the threat posed by communists. Together
with the police, the army too is responsible to deal with the communist treat, army establishing new
units, such as the Malay Army, Commonwealth Troops, and Sarawak Rangers.

As previously said, communists normally hideout in the jungle, therefore Sarawak Rangers, who were well-versed in the ins and outs of the jungle, were
able to destroy many communist camps and bases. The Commonwealth Troops army, which was brought from nine countries, and the Malay Army, which was
equipped by the government with artillery and assisted by other teams, it is impossible to deny that the army’s units achieved outstanding achievements in the war
against communism. The village guard is made up of volunteers known as Home Guard. Because communists continue to target civilians’ homes, the government
established the Home Guard to aid in the attempt to secure the village and safeguard the tin mine workers from attack. They not only safeguard civilians, but they
also help to prevent food and pharmaceutical supplies from falling into the hands of communists. If the Home Guard is not established, all food and medication
supplies will be reduced, which will inevitably harm many people during the Malayan Emergency. Many weapons such as sidearms, rifles, shotguns, submachine
guns, machine guns, grenades, grenade launchers, hand grenades, and anti-tank weapons, were used by communists and security forces during the Malayan
Emergency (1948-1960), which lasted 12 years. All the communist acts resulted in a great deal of property destruction and loss of life for the government and
civilians. According to statistics, while the police and army worked jointly to eliminate the MCP, they were also got killed during the Malayan emergency. Between
1948 to 1960, a total of 5,148 people were killed and went missing. This number mostly certainly includes citizens who were also victims of the communists, with
3, 283 civilians and the rest were the security forces members.

Figure 10: Permission for the pan American world airways and Malayan Figure 11: Restriction of leave to senior officers during the
Airways LTD Singapore as agents to use tengah or Butterworth airport and to emergency
carry arms and ammunition during Present emergency period Accession Number: 1957/0300319W
Accession Number: 1957/0577825W
12

After Malayan
Emergency (1948-1960)

13

Figure 12: Malayan Emergency 1948-1960. So come to a conclusion a jungle operation that had been somewhat successful, but
British Army patrolling in the Jungle. there were many lessons to be learned and many mistakes committed that should not be
Accession Number: 2011/0016188W repeated. The soldiers were not at all quiet that evening; they drank copious amounts of beer,
and reports of the operation's success were becoming more and more frequent. The fact that
Figure 13: Tunku Abdul Razak receiving a the operation was not followed by a total bandit submission will really surprise many who
cheque from Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz. hear the story in the future if it is ever told.
Accession Number: 1978/0000674H
The squatter issue is the first and most significant factor. Approximately 500,000
squatters, almost entirely Chinese immigrants, have built unauthorized colonies on the
outskirts of the jungle in outlying districts of Malaya. These squatters provide the bandits with
food, lodging, recruitment, and information often voluntarily, but occasionally through
intimidation.

On July 18, 1969, Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz, Vice-Chancellor of the University of
Malaya, presented a check for $250 to Tunku Abdul Razak bin Hussein, Director of the
National Operations Council, as a contribution to the country's emergency relief fund. The
University of Malaya clinic students who reside in the dorm donated the money.

14

With Japan's retreat at the end of World War II, the British Malayan economy was Figure 14: Tabung Bantuan Darurat Negara, derma daripada
severely affected, with high levels of food price inflation, widespread unemployment, and Pengurus Besar Syarikat Fraser & Neave (M) Bhd., Encik A.D.
poor salaries. The poor economy contributed to the expansion of trade union activities, Fraser, Perbendaharaan Persekutuan, Kuala Lumpur; 3.6.1969
increased communist party membership, significant labor discontent, and numerous strikes
between 1946 and 1948. On January 29, 1946, Malayan communists successfully Accession Number: 2001/0037544W
organised a 24-hour general strike. In 1947, they organised 300 strikes.

Due to the independence awarded to the Federation of Malaya in August 1957, the
insurrection's justification as a conflict for colonial freedom was no longer valid. The war
was abandoned by many insurgents. The Emergency ended in 1960, according to official
statements. There had been 1,300 police fatalities and more than 500 military fatalities.
The number of murdered and captured communists is estimated to be around 6,000. It was
one of the few counter-insurgency operations the Western powers carried out that was
successful. It still receives significant attention today and teaches many valuable lessons
about how these campaigns ought to be run.

Simpang Airport at Sungai Besi, Kuala Lumpur, which was originally part of
Selangor and the country's capital city, was the first airfield in Malaya that the RAF turned
over to the RFMAF on October 25, 1962, following the end of the Malayan Emergency.
Simpang Airport was opened on June 1, 1941. Scottish Aviation Twin Pioneer, dubbed
"Lang Rajawali" by the then-prime minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, served as the first
aircraft for the infant air force. In order to join the Royal Federation of Malaya Air Force,
some Malayans who were formerly serving with the Royal Air Force did so.

Figure 15: End of Emergency Celebration. Fly Past by
Royal Malayan Air Force, Kuala Lumpur; 1.8.1960.
Accession Number: 2001/0027456W

15

Ceremonies (1960)

16

Figure 16: End of Emergency Celebration, Royal Malay In this regard, due to the failure of the discussions between Tunku Abdul Rahman
Regiment, Guard of Honour. Inspection by The Yang Di-Pertuan and Communists. On February 8, 1956, he decided to revoke the forgiveness five months
Agong, Kuala Lumpur; 1.8.1960. later. Whereby, he claimed that he would not meet the Communists again unless they
Accession Number: 2001/0027454W declared earlier their willingness to make "a total surrender." Considering the collapse of
the Baling Talks, the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) attempted unsuccessfully to have
peace discussion with the Malayan government. Concurrently, the newly formed
Emergency Operations Council began debates on escalating the "People's War" against
the guerrillas. As the MCP has failed its mission, therefore, they attempted to make another
round of peace discussion in July 1957.

The decision has been made few weeks before the independence. The MCP has
proposed the peace agreement to the Tunku, whereby its members should be granted the
same rights as citizens and there should be assurances that both political and armed MCP
members would not be prosecuted. Tunku Abdul Rahman, on the other hand, has not
responded to the MCP's recommendations. He insisted that those who stayed were
sentenced to banishment or will be dead in the forest. Following that, the termination of
the discussions has indirectly impacted on MCP policy.

In August 1957, the Malayan National Liberation Army (MNLA) and 'Min Yuen'
had a combined membership of only 1830 people. However, the rebels have lost their
justification as a colonial liberation movement on August 31, 1957. It was happened during
the Malaya achieved independence from the British under Prime Minister Tunku Abdul
Rahman. Not long after that, in 1958 the final significant struggle by Malayan Races
Liberation Army (MRLA) rebels have surrendered in the Telok Anson swamp area. Due
to that, the MRLA rebels withdrew and evacuated to the Thai border.

17

After 12 years Malayan government has faced an attack from the enemy and war. Figure 17: Perbarisan tamat, perbarisan.
On July 31, 1960, the Malayan government announced the state of emergency has ended. Accession Number: 2001/0041959W
The declaration was announced by His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, the late Sultan
Hishamuddin Alam Shah Al-Haj Ibni the late Sultan Alaiddin Sulaiman Shah. The ended Figure 18: End of Emergency Celebration. Military
of the Malayan Emergency has has forced Chin Peng to fly to Beijing from southern Vehicles of The Federation.
Thailand. He was forced along with other Southeast Asian Communist Party leaders to fly Accession Number: 2001/0027455W
immediately. Whereby, while in Malaya he has safeguarded by Chinese authorities at the
Bureau of International Relations. In order to celebrate the historic event, a Victory Parade 18
was held at the Selangor Club Grounds on 1 August 1960. Whereby, all units of the Federal
Armed Forces of Malaya and the British, including the police force also took part in the
celebration. Massive celebrations were held across the country and culminating
ceremonies took place in the capital. The army has held the largest parade involving 6
thousand officers and regular soldiers, from all teams, 400 vehicles, planes, and band
teams. As shown in the figure.

The celebration was celebrated with a parade of Royal Malaysian Air Force
(RMAF) aircraft in the air. Whereby, the Royal Air Force was established in 1958 as a
Federal Air Force Malaya. Since the state of emergency has been in effect since 1948, this
enormous celebration serves as a symbol of Malaya's freedom and the sacrifice of the
Malayan warrior. For whole population of Malayan Federation, the end of the Malayan
Emergency in 1960 was welcome news and should be celebrated and cherished together
since the country is starting a new era. This is because they finally have discovered the
freedom where before they were feared by anxiety being victims of intimidation and
rebels’ atrocities. That forced them to flee from their hometowns and run to find safer
places for the sake of survival. Moreover, the Malayan people finally can free themselves
from the movement restriction as they had to comply with security measures arranged by
the authorities before the independence.

Figure 19: Majlis 'Tea Party' sempena berakhirnya The celebration also continued with the “Tea Party” together with the Malayan people. As
darurat. shown in figure 20. The communities enjoyed their celebration which cannot be described how they
Accession Number: 2001/0051763W appreciated the victory end of the Malayan Emergency. Following that, after a few years of
independence. There are many events that are organized to all people in Malaya. These events continued
Figure 20: Majlis Pengkisahan Sejarah Darurat 1948, until Malaya officially becomes a state as Malaysia on September 16, 1963. “Majlis Pengkisahan
Sesi 1. Sejarah Darurat 1948” is one of the events that are organized. The Events were conducted to open the
Accession Number: 1992/0013214W eyes of Malaysian communities to always cherish and memorize the incident of the Malayan
Emergency. As shown in figure Majlis Pengkisahan Sejarah Darurat 1948, Sesi I.

In the event was told about a few people who had successfully assisted in dealing with and
defeating the MCP. One of them is Tan Sri Yuen Yuet Leng who was a former Special Branch officer
that often 'hunted' by the communists during and after the emergency and served as the Sarawak Police
Commissioner from 1981 until he retired in 1984. Whereby in 1975, he held the position of Perak Police
Chief. He was born in Larut Matang, Perak and joined the police force in 1950 when he was 23 years
old. Part of his career focused on working as a special branch officer in times of emergency. He along
with former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Rahim Noor played an important role in going to China
to meet with MCP leaders such as Chin Peng, Abdullah CD and Rashid Maidin until finally the Haadyai
Peace Talks were reached which saw the dissolution of the MCP.

The services of Tan Sri Yuen Yuet Leng while serving in the police force are difficult to match.
His courage and excellence and ability of him in the war against insurgency, psychological warfare,
and his approach to overcoming the hearts and minds of the people as well as the whitewashing efforts
among the surrendered terrorists helped the country towards peace. This is the story of a Malaysian
whose loyalty is to the king and the country. However, Tan Sri Yuen Yuet Leng breathed his last on
October 1, 2015, due to a heart attack. Nevertheless, he produced two books on his experience serving
in the police force entitled 'Operation Ginger' in 1998 and 'Nation Before Self' in 2008. Until he breathed
his last, the words of wisdom "NATION BEFORE SELF" remained ingrained in his heart and actions.

19

Notable Person

20

Figure 21: Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj was born on 8 February 1903 in Alor Star, Kedah.
Accession Number: 2001/0027544W Tunku was the 20th son of Sultan Abdul Hamid Halimshah, the 24th Sultan of Kedah, and
his wife, the mother of Tunku Abdul Rahman named Nearang or better known as Makche
Figure 22: The Baling Talks; 28.12.1955 Menjalara. The beloved grandmother was a descendant of Thai descent to Luang Nara
Accession Number: 2001/0024311W Borirak (Kleb), a descendant of Chao Phya Maha Kota, Head of Mataban State in the Siamese
colony of Northern Shan of Thailand.

Tunku began his career by serving as an Assistant District Officer, and then District
Officer in several Districts in Kedah. In 1940, Tunku was appointed Deputy Director of Civil
Defense, South Kedah. When Japan handed over Kedah to Thailand in 1941, Tunku was
appointed Supervisor of Education. He held this position until the British regained power in
Kedah and throughout the country. Tunku went to England in 1947 to finish his studies at
the Inns of Court. Here he met Tun Abdul Razak who was much younger than him. Tunku
became the President of the Malay Union of the United Kingdom and Tun Razak became its
Secretary. After the end of the Second World War, Tunku also joined politics against the
Malayan Union and raised awareness of independence. Together with other leaders in
UMNO, he sought to unite the energy of the Malays.

As Chief Minister, Tunku did his best to end communist terrorism peacefully. On
September 9, 1955, he declared amnesty for surrendered communist terrorists. Following
this, the Baling Negotiations were held from 28 to 29 December 1955 between the Malayan
Communist Party, represented by Chin Peng, Chin Tien, and Rashid Maidin; with the
Government represented by Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Tunku. This negotiation failed. Chin
Peng rejected Tunku's proposal for the communists to lay down their arms unconditionally.
The stronger Tunku's resolve to defeat the communist terrorists. Five years later, the joint
efforts of the entire people have succeeded in ending the Emergency caused by communist
terrorism.

21

Tan Cheng Lock, often written Tan Cheng-lock, was a Malaysian Chinese community Figure 23: Dato Tan Cheng Lock, A Potrait;
leader, politician, and businessman. He was born in Malacca, Straits Settlemen on April 5, 1883 1935
and passed away there on December 8, 1960. Tan Cheng Lock was one of the earliest Accession Number: 2001/0026742W
beneficiaries of the economic expansion of Malaya under colonial control. He was born into a
wealthy Straits Chinese family with interests in shipping and plantations. He made investments
primarily in banking and rubber. In later years, he regularly drew on his extensive understanding
of the classical European philosophers to enliven his political discourse. He also developed a
deep familiarity with them.

When Malaya was still a British colony, Tun Tan Cheng Lock played a crucial role in
bringing all of the Chinese people together to form an alliance with the first Prime Minister.
Shown a history of Tan Cheng Lock's engagement, who started his career as an English teacher
at Raflles Institution from 1902 to 1908 and continued teaching until 1949, when, at the age of
66, he created the Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA).

In addition, he was counted among the greatest figures in history when, in 1955, he
represented the government at the Baling Talks, a series of peace negotiations. Tunku Abdul
Rahman, the Chief Minister of the Federation of Malaya, presided over the negotiations, and
Chin Peng, the MCP's Secretary General, represented the opposition party. Cheng Lock's
engagement at the time was to reduce communist influence in the Chinese community, but the
negotiations ended in failure. "If a person wants to live in Malaya, he must take responsibility
and carry out his duties as a good citizen," Cheng Lock had urged Chin Peng during the
negotiations.

Figure 24: The Baling Talks; 28.12.1955
Accession Number: 2001/0024342W

22

Figure 25: Chin Peng, Chen dan Rashid Maidin Diiringi Ke Ong Boon Hua was the real name of Chin Peng. He born in Perak on October 21
Tempat Rundingan Semasa Rundingan Damai Baling sometime between 1920 and 1924. His father was a bicycle salesman and mechanic in
Accession Number: 1998/0007835W Sitiawan, Perak, who had immigrated from the southeast Chinese province of Fujian. Chin
Peng joined political youth organisations at the age of 15, having been drawn to
communism as a means of overcoming the prejudice experienced by Chinese-Malayans.
In 1941, Chin Peng joined the British commandos as a liaison and assisted them in their
fight against the Japanese forces that had occupied what was then British Malaya. Chin
Peng received an Order of the British Empire for his bravery in 1946, when the British
overcame the Japanese invasion of Malaya.

The Malayan Communist Party (MCP) secretary-general at the time, Chin Peng,
was rumoured to have launched an armed uprising against the British colonial authorities
in 1948 and to have started by methodically murdering three British rubber farmers. Chin
Peng was 24 years old at the time.The Malayan Emergency, also known as the Darurat
Malaya, was declared in response to the assassinations and lasted for twelve years, from
1948 to 1960. To put it more simply, Chin Peng was the communist guerilla chief
responsible for the Darurat Malaya (Malayan Emergency) of 1948. Villages were set on
fire, police stations were attacked, and assassinations were planned, including the 1951
murder of Henry Gurney, the British high commissioner for Malaya.

23

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Malayan Emergency is a terrible event that happened in our country in 1948-1960. This event needs to be
remembered to be used as a lesson so that it does not happen again. many incidents have taken place and are recorded to
serve as evidence for the gaze of future generations. Therefore, we need to appreciate the services and sacrifices that have
been poured by the fighters during the Malaya Emergency. As such, archives play an important role in storing records in
various forms. This allows the material to be retrieved in the future. In addition, archives are also very important to make
it easier for future generations to find information that has passed. Technological advances have benefited various parties,
one of which is archives because now information can be stored in digital form. Online Finding Aid (OFA) is one of the
benefits of modernity. All information and events related to the history of Malaysia can be retrieved in digital form to
facilitate anyone who needs relevant information.

24

LIST OF ARCHIVAL MATERIALS

No. Accession Number Description

1 2001/0048894W Gambar menunjukkan Pasukan Askar Malaya Bintang Tiga dalam upacara perbarisan pada 1hb Disember

1945. Pasukan ini dibubarkan secara rasmi. Pasukan ini mengukuhkan semangat orang-orang melayu

menentang facisma Jepun semasa pemerintahan Jepun selama 3 ½ tahun. Gambar menunjukkan regimen yang

ke 4 di padang Johor Bahru. Malayan Standard Vol. 1, No. 1, 4.1.1946. G.18989 (N.345/84)

2 2001/0040242W -

3 1957/0620922W -

4 2001/0047776W Perlembagaan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu, pemasyhuran undang-undang darurat tahun 1948 dibuat oleh Sultan

Hishamuddin Alam Shah Ibni Almarhun Sultan ‘Ala-Idin Sulaiman Shah. G.17937

5 1957/0577717W -

6 1998/0007136W Suasana semasa darurat ekoran daripada keganasan dan pemogokan yang dilancarkan oleh parti komunis

malaya (PKM), 1948. Kebakaran di kilang getah Aik Hoe akibat perbuatan komunis.

7 1998/0007139W Suasana semasa darurat ekoran daripada keganasan dan Pemogokan yang dilancarkan oleh parti komunis

malaya (PKM), 1948, Keretapi yang menjadi sasaran keganasan komunis

25

8 1998/0007120W -

9 1998/0007838W -

10 1957/0577825W -

11 1957/0300319W Information regarding federal secretariat circular No.36 of 1950 on the subject of leave and M.E.O circular

No.1 of 1951 on the standard periods of leave foe voyages.

12 2011/0016188W During the Malayan a patrol of the 1st battalion, king’s own yorkshire light infantry moving up a stream in the

Malayan jungle towards an area in which communist terrorists may be lying up.

13 1978/0000674H Timbalan Perdana Menteri merangkap Pengarah Majlis Gerakan Negara, Tunku Abdul Razak bin Hussein

telah menerima sekeping cek bernilai $250 dari Naib Canselor Universiti Malaya, Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz

pada 18hb. JulaI 1969 sebagai derma kepada tabung bantuan darurat negara. Wang tersebut merupakan

sumbangan oleh asrama pelajar-pelajar klinik Universiti Malaya.

14 2001/0037544W Encik a.d. Fraser, pengurus besar syarikat fraser & neave (malaya) berhad, hari ini telah menyampaikan

bantuan-bantuan dari tiga buah syarikat - malayan breweries (m) sdn. Bhd. , fraser & neave (m) sdn. Bhd. Dan

syarikat premier milk (m) sdn. Bhd. - berjumlah rm40,000 bagi tabung bantuan darurat negara, kepada tun tan

26

siew sin, menteri mengenai tugas-tugas khas dan pengerusi lembaga amanah tabung itu di perbendaharaan
persekutuan, kuala lumpur. Gambar menunjukkan tun tan siew sin (kiri) dengan encik fraser. G.8700

15 2001/0027456W A review was held in the federal capital this morning (August 1, 1960), to celebrate the ending of the emergency

and to honour his majesty the yang Di-Pertuan Agong. Taking part were representatives of all units of the

Federation Armed Forces, Royal Federation Police, Senoi Praak, Ex-services Association, Government

Departments, Voluntary Organisations, Commonwealth Forces, Colour parties from Kenya, Rhodesia and Fiji,

and Representatives of the Singapore Infantry Regiment. Picture shows his majesty inspecting the guard of

honour mounted by the 5th battalion, Royal Malay Regiment, Before the start of the review. G.2715 (n.50/78)

16 2001/0027454W A review was held in the federal capital this morning (august 1, 1960), to celebrate the ending of the emergency

and to honour his majesty the yang di-pertuan agong. Taking part were representatives of all units of the

federation armed forces, royal federation police, senoi praak, ex-services association, government departments,

voluntary organisations, commonwealth forces, colour parties from kenya, rhodesia and fiji, and

representatives of the singapore infantry regiment. Picture shows his majesty inspecting the guard of honour

mounted by the 5th battalion, royal malay regiment, before the start of the review. G.2715 (n.50/78)

17 2001/0041959W Perbarisan Sempena Perayaan Tamatnya Darurat. G.12595 (I) (N.103/73 (I))

18 2001/0027455W -

19 2001/0051763W Gambar menunjukkan majlis ‘tea party’ sempena berakhirnya Darurat. (1hb Ogos, 1960) G.21478 (N.655/89)

27

20 1992/0013214W Dato Sri Yun Yuek Leng, Mr. Aloises Chin, Mr. Zainal Ibrahim; contains the opening speech; Anecdote of

Policemen in the preparation of dealing with communist party movement; Establishment of Malayan

Communist Party (MCP); video shows on emergency and negotiation between the Federation of Malaya and

(MCP) on 28th and 29th December 1955, which is known as baling talks.

21 2001/0027544W -

22 2001/0024311W Coming up for the third session seen in the picture Mr. David Marshall, Dato Sir Cheng Lock Tan, and Chief

Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman, 28.12.1955. G. 475/AC

23 2001/0026742W -

24 2001/0024342W The chief minister and Dato’ Sir Cheng Lock Tan walk down to hold their preliminary press conference in the

guard tent. 28.12.1955. G.475/Q

25 1998/0007835W Chin Peng, Chen dan Rashid Maidin Diiringi Ke Tempat Rundingan Semasa Rundingan Damai Baling, Kedah,

Disember 1955

28

LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURES

Figure 1 : Pasukan Askar Bintang Tiga Dibubarkan Secara Rasmi; 1.12.1945
Figure 2 : World War II, Houses Damaged as a Result of Bombing, Kuala Lumpur; 00.00.1945
Figure 3 : Incident at Sitiawan on 10.10.1946 The Communist Party of Malaya Petition
Figure 4 : Perlembagaan Persekutuan Tanah Melayu, Pemasyhuran Undang-Undang Darurat Tahun 1948
Figure 5 : Petition for Release or Visit Persons Arrested Under the Emergency Regulations

Figure 6 : Suasana Semasa Darurat (1948-1960)
Figure 7 : Suasana Semasa Darurat (1948-1960)
Figure 8 : Pasukan 'special constable' sedang memeriksa kenderaan di salah sebatang jalanraya semasa darurat dalam tahun 1950
Figure 9 : Pasukan 'flying squad dalam satu gerakan semasa darurat.
Figure 10 : Permission for the pan American world airways and Malayan Airways LTD Singapore as agents to use tengah or Butterworth
airport and to carry arms and ammunition during Present emergency period.

29

Figure 11 : Restriction of leave to senior officers during the emergency.
Figure 12 : Malayan Emergency 1948-1960. British Army patrolling in the Jungle.

Figure 13 : Tunku Abdul Razak receiving a cheque from Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz.

Figure 14 : Tunku Abdul Razak receiving a cheque from Professor Ungku Abdul Aziz.
Figure 15 : End of Emergency Celebration. Fly Past by Royal Malayan Air Force, Kuala Lumpur; 1.8.1960.
Figure 16 : End of Emergency Celebration, Royal Malay Regiment, Guard Of Honour. Inspection by The Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Kuala
Lumpur.
Figure 17 : Perbarisan tamat, perbarisan
Figure 18 : End of Emergency Celebration. Military Vehicles of The Federation.
Figure 19 : Majlis 'Tea Party' sempena berakhirnya darurat.
Figure 20 : Majlis Pengkisahan Sejarah Darurat 1948, Sesi 1.
Figure 21 : Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj

30

Figure 22 : The Baling Talks; 28.12.1955
Figure 23 : Dato Tan Cheng Lock, A Potrait; 1935
Figure 24 : The Baling Talks; 28.12.1955
Figure 25 : Chin Peng, Chen dan Rashid Maidin Diiringi Ke Tempat Rundingan Semasa Rundingan Damai Baling

31

REFERENCES

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https://doi.org/10.22452/mjir.vol7no1.3

Amer Fawwaz Mohammad Yasid & Azrul Azlan Abdul Rahman. (2018). The roles of police special branch in eliminating the communist
insurgency 1948-1960:an analysis. Journal of the Department of History. 27(1)

Azlan Zambry. (2020). Keikhlasan Tan Cheng Lock bina negara. Retrieved from https://www.wilayahku.com.my/keikhlasan-tan-cheng-lock-
bina-negara/#.YsAggnZBxEZ

Berita Harian. (2015). Tan Sri Yuen Yuet Leng meninggal dunia. Retrieved on June 26, 2022 from
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https://www.britannica.com/event/Malayan-Emergency.

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https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tan-Cheng-Lock

British Army Review. (2019). The Learning from Conflict Series. Retrieved on June 19, 2022, from https://www.army.mod.uk/media/6558/bar-
report-malayan-emergency.pdf

Department of Veterans’ Affairs. (2021). The Malayan emergency 1948-1960. DVA Anzac Portal. Retrieved on June 3, 2022, from
https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions/malayan-emergency-1948-1960#:~:

Faris Jamalludin. (2018). Saya Orang Melayu, Cina Dan India – Mendiang Tan Sri Yuen Yuet Leng, Retrieved on June 26, 2022, from
https://www.thepatriots.asia/saya-orang-melayu-cina-dan-india-mendiang-tan-sri-yuen-yuet-leng/

Pekhabar. (2015) Pengisytiharan Tamat Darurat. Retrieved on June 24, 2022 from https://pekhabar.com/h-i-d-s-pengisytiharan-tamat-darurat/

32

Portal Rasmi Polis Diraja Malaysia. (n.d). Perbarisan Tamat Darurat. Retrieved on June 24, 2022 from https://www.rmp.gov.my/infor-
korporate/polis-diraja-malaysia/sejarah/perbarisan-tamat-darurat

Portal Rasmi Polis Diraja Malaysia. (n.d). Rundingan Damai Baling. Retrieved from https://www.rmp.gov.my/infor-korporate/polis-diraja-
malaysia/sejarah/rundingan-damai-baling

Military (n.d). Royal Malaysian Air Force. Retrieved on Jun 25, 2022, from https://military-
history.fandom.com/wiki/Royal_Malaysian_Air_Force

Mohamed Ali Haniffa & Ayu Nor Azilah Mohamad. (2021). Hubungan Etnik di Tanah Melayu, 1941-1955: Peneliti Awal Berdasarkan Sudut
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The Malayan Emergency 1948 to 1960: Causes and general description. (2021). Anzac Portal. Retrieved from
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_weapons_in_Malayan_Emergency

33

A INDEXES

Aircraft, 15, 18 E
Army, 2, 6, 11, 12, 17, 30, 32, 33 Economy, 10, 15
Attack, 11, 12, 18, 19
F
B Flying Squad, 11
Forces, 4, 6, 11, 12, 23, 27, 33
Baling Talks, 17, 22, 31 Freedom, 8, 15, 18

C G
Government, 4, 8, 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 22, 27
Campaigns, 15 Guerrilla, 4
Celebrations, 18
Ceremonies, 18 H
Chinese, 4, 6, 7, 14, 18, 22, 23 Home Guard, 12
Communist, 2, 6, 10, 17, 18, 21, 23, 28, 29
Council, 14, 17 I
Immigrants,, 14
D Independence, 15, 17, 18, 19, 21
Injured, 7
Destroyed, 10 Insurgency, 10, 15, 19, 32
Destruction, 12
Detention, 7

34

J R
Japanese, 2, 6, 7, 23 Rebels, 4, 17, 18
Restriction, 18
K Royal Air Force, 2, 15, 18
Kidnapped, 7 Royal Malaysian Air Force, 18, 33

M S
Malaya, 4, 6, 8, 10, 14, 15, 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29,
Sacrifice, 18
32, 33 Security, 8, 10, 11, 12, 18
Malayan Emergency, 1, 3, 4, 6, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, 19, 23, 24, 30, Soldiers, 4, 14, 18
Supplies, 6, 11, 12
32, 33 Survival, 18
Mission, 11, 17
Murder, 4, 23 T
Terrorists, 19, 21, 26
P Threat, 11
Parade, 18 Thugs, 7
Peace, 7, 10, 11, 17, 19, 22
Petition, 7 U
Political, 4, 6, 8, 10, 17, 22, 23 Union, 7, 21
Powers, 8, 15
Prison, 8 W
Punishments, 8 Weapons, 12, 33
Withdrawal, 7

35