Course e-Guide: MALAYSIAN STUDIES 2

STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

School of Business Administration (SBA)

Course e-Book

MPU2163/03

MALAYSIAN STUDIES 2

March 2019

Produced by: ODL Lab of IDeX
Published by:
First Published: Instructional Design for Engaging Experiences (IDeX)
Wawasan Open University (WOU)
March 2019

Copyright 2019 © Wawasan Open University (WOU).
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form or by any means
without the written permission of the Chief Executive Officer, Wawasan Open University

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY PROSPECTUS

This Course e-Book is designed for the Wawasan Open University’s Diploma
in Business Management student for the Malaysia Studies 2 (MPU2163/03)
course. This Course e-Book comes in THREE (3) parts and APPENDICES, as
described below:

Part 1: COURSE OUTLINE
The Course Outline gives you a complete outline about the Malaysian
Studies 2 course. More specifically, it provides you the course description,
course objectives, course content, course learning outcomes, course
learning activities, course essential reading resources and course delivery.
This Part 1 also explains additional course information.

Part 2: COURSE ASSESSMENTS
The Course Assessments gives you information about Course Assessment
Formats based on the three (3) components; Tutor-Marked Assignments
(TMAs), Computer-Marked Assignment (CMA) and Final Examination. This
Part 2 also explains additional information on Course TMA Questions,
Assessment Policies on TMA and Examination including the Guidelines on
Grading and Standards of Assessments.

Part 3: LEARNING GUIDE
The Learning Guide provides a brief description and overview of the
Organisation of the Learning Guide, Course Structure, Course Load,
Allocation of Study Time, Blended Learning Guide. For each Unit, there is
also a list of Learning Outcomes, Focus Areas, Essential Readings and Study
Questions.

APPENDICES
This Appendices provides a section on your TMA1 and TMA1 Questions,
WOU Learning Support and a section on Study Success Roadmap for the
Course.

Appendix A : TMA1 and TMA2 Questions

Appendix B : WOU Learning Support

Appendix C : Study Success Roadmap

Please download all the learning materials in this Course e-Bookand do read
through the entire document at the beginning of the course (before your
first Tutorial). You can click the links or QR codes to download or to login or
to browse some of the Course Resources.

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

TABLE OF CONTENT

Part 1: COURSE OUTLINE
Course Description
Course Objectives
Course Content
Course Learning Outcomes
Course Learning Activities
Course Essential Reading Resources
Course Delivery
Additional Course Information

Part 2: COURSE ASSESSMENTS
Course Assessment Formats
Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs)
Computer-Marked Assignment (CMA)
Final Examination
Course TMA Questions
Assessment Policies on TMA
Assessment Policies on Final Examination
Guidelines on Grading and Standards of Assessments

Part 3: LEARNING GUIDE
Organisation of the Learning Guide
Course Structure
Course Load
Study Schedule

Part 4: UNIT e-BOOK
Unit 1
– Synopsis, Learning Outcomes, Focus Areas, Essential Readings and Study
Questions
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 5

APPENDICES
Appendix A : TMA1 and TMA2 Questions

Appendix B : WOU Learning Support

Appendix C : Study Success Roadmap

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

Part 1: COURSE OUTLINE

Part 1: COURSE OUTLINE

Course Title MALAYSIAN STUDIES 2

Course Code MPU2163/03

School SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)

Course ASSOCIATE Email: [email protected]
Coordinator (CC) PROFESSOR DR. Direct Line: 04 – 2180 378
S. NAGARAJAN
Handphone:

Tutor (Penang) Email
Direct Line

Handphone

Tutor (KL) Email
Direct Line

Handphone

Tutor (Ipoh) Email
Direct Line
Handphone

Tutor (Kuching) Email
Direct Line

Handphone

Tutor (JB) Email
Direct Line
Handphone

Learning Time

Course Type Compulsory (Mata Pelajaran Umum or MPU)
Academic Year
March 2019 Semester: 1st. Semester

COURSE DESCRIPTION - ABOUT THIS COURSE

MPU 2163/03 Malaysian Studies 2 is a three-credit compulsory course prescribed

for students who enrolled in diploma programmes at Wawasan Open University.
The course content focuses on Malaysia’s history, its constitutional framework,

the Malaysian system of government and administration, the political processes,

the uniqueness of its multi-ethnic population, ethnic relations, nation building
efforts, and the country’s main economic and social policies. It will also look at
Malaysia’s foreign policies and current trends.

This course material contains five (5) study units, covering the various topics
outlined

as below:
(a) Unit 1 - introduces you to Malaysian history, tracing from early Malay
kingdoms to the formation of Malaysia.

(b) Unit 2 - discusses the framing of the Federal Constitution and its main
provisions. It will also elaborate on Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy and the

election process.
(c) Unit 3 - gives an account of the system of government and administration in

Malaysia.
(d) Unit 4 - is designed to acquaint you with Malaysia’s plural society, ethnic
relations and approaches to enhance national integration and unity.

(e) Unit 5 - elaborates on the national development philosophy and the main
social and economic policies to promote growth and prosperity of the people.
This unit will also discuss Malaysia’s foreign policies and the country’s role in
regional and international organisations.

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

The self-tests at the end of each unit require you to practise the skills you have
learnt. Each unit has been designed to take between 20 and 25 hours of study.
You will need to spend about 120 hours to complete the whole course. Therefore,
you will require about three to four weeks to cover each unit and the whole
course will take 18 weeks to complete. There are no prerequisites for this course.

COURSE OVERVIEW
MPU2163/03 attempts to provide you a grand tour of the rich tapestry of history,
events, peoples and circumstances that make Malaysia such a unique nation it is
today. We will start off with something we call pre-history, i.e., the early signs of
civilization in Malaysia. Note that we will often use the term Malaya to indicate the
developments across time in Peninsula Malaysia. You obviously would have
heard of Perak Man, and the Niah caves of Sarawak. These are demonstrations of
the early settlements of human kind in Malaysia. Then you would also have heard
of Langkasuka, or the Candies at the foothills of Gurun in Kedah. Our history as
recorded really begins with the Malacca Sultanate and the writings of Munshi
Abdullah.

The glory days of the Malacca Sultanate however did not last long. Yes, we can
learn a few lessons from there. Then we have had the colonials lording over the
local populace in the last few hundred years. These colonial administrations and
the concurrent subversion of local nationalism will be elaborated further upon in
this course. The Second World War with the Japanese Occupation will always be
the watershed on local aspirations to gather the locals to stand up to past
colonials and to ‘fight’ for independence as did many other colonised states did
after the War.

We are quite sure that whilst we may be colonised, the colonials may also left
behind specific administrative structures that we have develop further on upon
independence. The events leading to independence and the gathering together of
different races had spurred the evolution of a social contract imbued in the
Constitution of Malaya then. This becomes the basis for law and order and of
governance we know of in Malaya and later Malaysia.

Hence further units will elaborate on the system of government, the democratic
processes, the checks and balances in the administration of the nation. You will
spend much time looking at and appreciate the philosophy incorporated in the
Constitution and learn to look at current events with reference to the past to gain
a deeper appreciation of the means and solutions built into our Constitution.

After this we will venture into a number of issues that we are keen to tackle with
resolve, namely, nationhood, unity, national vision, and the roles of the ordinary
citizenry. In this discourse you will be imbued with specific agendas for
Education, Integration, Social Developments, as well as modern trade and
international relationships. Please do realize history is not that mouldy an area as
we have always imagined it to be. We have learnt lessons from our past, but have
we learnt enough not to repeat the errors history have shown us?

We are confident that you will keep an open mind about Malaysian History and
also try to draw current events as parallels to the past, and with wisdom and
foresight you will begin to appreciate what Malaysia means to you.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

The objectives of this course are to:

1. Introduce you to Malaysian history and society.
2. Assist you to acquire knowledge about the Malaysian constitution, the working

of its parliamentary democracy and the system of governance.
3. Enable you to understand key national polices and nation building efforts.
4. Appreciate Malaysia’s role in the international arena.

COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this course, you should be able to:

1. Relate the history and development of Malaysia.

2. Explain the salient features of the Federal Constitution.
3. Discuss Malaysia’s parliamentary democracy and the system of government.
4. Discuss the origins of Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society and the challenges of

nation building.
5. Explain Malaysia’s national and foreign policies.

COURSE ORGANISATION

Unit Unit Topic and Sub-Topics Aligned Tutorial Assessment
Course Week Activities
1 Early History and the Struggle for Learning 4
Independence Outcomes
1.1 - Early kingdoms TMA1 (25%)
1.2 - Colonial period CMA (10%)
1.3 - Japanese occupation and the 3
Emergency era
1.4 - Nation building and the road to
independence
1.5 - The formation of Malaysia

2 The Federal Constitution and
Parliamentary Democracy
2.1 The Making of the Federal
Constitution
2.2 Fundamental Provisions of the
Federal Constitution
2.3 Parliamentary Democracy and
the Electoral Process

3 Malaysia’s System of 3
Government and Administration TMA2 (35%)
3.1 Yang di-Pertuan Agong
3.2 The Administration Structure of
the Federal Government
3.3 The Administration Structure of
the State Government

4 Plural Society and Nation 4
Building
4.1 Origins of Plural Society in
Malaysia
4.2 National Unity and Integration

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

5 National Development Policies 4

COURSE ESSENTIAL READING RESOURCES

Additional readings may be taken from journals, magazines and other books.
These
may be given in the form of hard copy or uploaded to WawasanLearn. You will
also
be supplied with the necessary web addresses for readings and listening
activities
from the Internet.

No Details Links

1 Main Reference: Hasnah Hussin and Mardiana https://bit.ly/2DE0DKS

Noordin (2014) Malaysian Studies, 2nd edn,

Shah Alam: Oxford Fajar.

2 Abdul Aziz Bari (2006) Constitution of Malaysia: https://bit.ly/2TjGEGK

Text and Commentary, Petaling

Jaya: Pearson Malaysia.

3 Andaya, Babara Watson and Leonary Y (1982) A https://bit.ly/2Rf70rv

History of Malaya, New York: St
Martin‟s Press.

4 Cheah Boon Kheng (2002) Malaysia, The Making https://bit.ly/2DBndDB

of a Nation, Singapore: ISEAS.

5 Harding, Andrew (2012) The Constitution of https://bit.ly/2DE3aVo

Malaysia: A Contextual Analysis, Oxford:

Hart Publishing.

6 Harper, T N (1999) The End of Empire and the https://bit.ly/2TgdE2l

Making of Malaya, Cambridge:

Cambridge University Press.

7 Leete, Richard (2007) Malaysia from Kampung to https://bit.ly/2UmUYxZ

Twin Towers, Shah Alam: Oxford

Fajar.

8 Lim Teck Ghee, Alberto Gomes and Azly https://bit.ly/2CNWtyf

Rahman (2009) Multiethnic Malaysia,

Past, Present and Future, Petaling Jaya: SIRD

and MiDAS@UCSI University.

9 Mohamed Noordin Sopiee (1974) From Malayan https://bit.ly/2MzrsT6

Union to Singapore Separation,

Kuala Lumpur: UM Press. https://bit.ly/2UoBVDL
10 Nazaruddin Mohd Jali, Ma‟rof Redzuan,

Asnarulkhadi Abu Samah and Ismail Mohd

Rashid (2003) Malaysian Studies: Nationhood

and Citizenship, Petaling Jaya: Pearson

Prentice Hall.

11 Shad Saleem Faruqi (2008) Document of https://bit.ly/2sP0mhK

destiny: the Constitution of the Federation

of Malaysia, Petaling Jaya: Star Publications.

Additional readings may be taken from journals, magazines and other books.
These may be given in the form of hard copy or uploaded to WawasanLearn. You

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

will also be supplied with the necessary web addresses for readings and
listening activities from the Internet.

COURSE DELIVERY

There are Ten (10) Contact Hours per Semester; 5 x 2 Hour Tutorial Class and 1 x
1 Hour Online Forum Discussion in WawasanLearn

This course is taught as a series of Tutorial Classes and Online Forum
Discussions via WawasanLearn. This course will provide you a general
understanding of Malaysian history, politics and society. You will learn about the
historical events that shaped Malaysia, its multi-ethnic society, system of
government and socio-economic policies. You may be puzzled by many
happenings in Malaysia. You may also be wondering how Malaysia became a
diverse nation with many ethnic and religious groups living in peace and
harmony. How is it possible for Malaysia to be politically stable and progress
socio-economically? What has the history of Malaysia to do with these
developments? Is this a result of the system of administration? You will get a
better understanding of these issues as you embark on this course. Do keep an
open mind about Malaysia as we reflect on the past and review the present.

No Learning Avenue Details / Instructions Links / QR Code
1 Online Learning LMS @ WawasanLearn www.lms.wou.edu.my
2 Tutorial Classes Regional Centre / Regional https://my.wou.edu.m
Support Centre y/page.aspx?q=/tmo/
GenericTimetable

3 Course Materials (a) Login to the

(i)Course e-Book WawasanLearn to download

- a guide to the these Course Materials

Course

(ii) Unit e-Book (b)

-a guide to the

Study Units

including the Self-

Tests

(iii) Tutor-Marked

Assignments

(TMAs)

(iv) Specimen

Examination

Questions

ADDITIONAL COURSE INFORMATION

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

[The Course Resources section provides a brief description of the recommended
textbook(s) to be used in the course. The students must read the recommended
textbook(s) to fulfil the requirements of the course. It also lists the essential references
which the students should read. ]

Part 2: COURSE ASSESSMENTS

Part 2: COURSE ASSESSMENTS

Assessment in this course is based on three components - tutor-marked
assignments
(TMAs), computer-marked assignment (CMA) and a final examination.

Course This course is designed to help you move easily from the stated
Assessment objectives through the required readings, self-tests, practice
Formats exercises and tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) to a final
examination. In an assessment, you will be expected to:
1. Demonstrate basic knowledge of Malaysian history.
2. Describe the workings and uniqueness of Malaysian
government and society.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of various national and foreign
policies. The TMAs and an examination are designed to test and
facilitate your progress.

Marking Scheme

Type of Assessment Weightage
TMA1 25%
CMA 10%
TMA2 35%
30%
Final Examination 100%
TOTAL COURSE MARKS

Passing Marks  The grade for a course is assigned based on the overall
score, which combines both the continuous assessment
and the final examination component.

 You are advised to submit your TMAs and sit for your
final examination.

 The marks for both TMAs will contribute to the continuous
assessment component.

 Please refer to the Student Handbook under the
Assessment and Examinations section for further
details pertaining to achievement of overall marks for the
courses that you have enrolled.

 A student who has met the minimum threshold for the
final examination component but failed to meet the
minimum threshold for the continuous assessment
component, will be given grade „FT‟ and will be allowed to
apply for supplementary TMAs (all TMAs) during the
semester in which the course is offered.

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

Tutor-Marked  You are required to complete two TMAs and one CMA for
Assignments this course. For TMA submission deadlines, please refer
(TMAs) to the Online Assignment Submission (OAS) system and
WawasanLearn.

 The TMAs are timed to allow for feedback on one TMA
before the next one is due.

 They require you to apply the concepts introduced in this
course. The weightage of the TMAs are: TMA 1 (25%)
and TMA 2 (35%).

Computer-Marked The computer-marked assignment (CMA) is done via
Assignment (CMA) WawasanLearn. It is part of TMA 1. All the assessment modes fit
into two TMAs and one CMA for computational and grading
purposes. The final examination will be conducted at the
designated examination centre after the one-week study break.

Final Examination The final examination contributes 30% of the total course marks.
The examination of three hours duration consists of structured
questions and essay questions. The overall assessment will be
constituted as follows:

Assessment You are required to submit the TMAs for a course in accordance
Policies on TMA with the deadlines published in WawasanLearn.
Please submit your TMAs early.
The assignment policy of the University as stated in the Student
Handbook should be observed.

Assessment  You are required to attend all scheduled examinations
Policies on Final that make up a final grade at the appointed time and
Examination place.

 Students who are experiencing illness or a personal crisis
and are unable to sit for any examination have to state [in
writing] to the Registrar the reasons for their absence.
Each submission must be supported by valid documents
within seven (7) days from the date of the examination
and will be considered by the University on its merits and
on a case-by-case basis.

Guidelines on Grading System
Grading and
Standards of The University adopts the Grade Point Average (GPA) as a
Assessments measure of a student‟s academic performance in a particular

semester and the Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) as a
measure of the student‟s overall academic performance covering

the total duration of study with the University. For
UNDERGRADUATE programmes, (i.e. bachelor‟s degree,

graduate diploma, graduate certificate and diploma) and

Postgraduate Diploma in Education programme, the grading

system is as follows:

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

Online Note: The performance of students in assignments as well as the
Submission final examination is indicated by the grade achieved. “A”, “B”, “C”
and “D” indicate various “pass” grades while “F” indicates a fail
Submission grade. For further details, please click here:
Extension https://lms.wou.edu.my/pluginfile.php/51098/block_html/content/J
Application an%202019%20Semester%20Student%20Handbook_V1.pdf

Specimen  Please attach the right file for online TMA submission.
Examination  In the event where you have submitted the wrong TMA,
Questions
TMA Questions you may apply for TMA resubmission from the OAS
TMA1 system.
 Note that your application to resubmit your TMAs is
TMA2 subject to your Course Coordinator‟s approval.
 To submit your TMAs online and for further details, you
have to log onto https://assignment.wou.edu.my.

 You may apply via the Online Assignment Submission
(OAS) system for a submission extension on the grounds
of illness, accident, disability, bereavement or other
compassionate circumstances.

 Applications for extensions of up to seven days should
be applied through the OAS system.

 Applications forextension should be lodged before or on
the due date.

 To submit your extension application and for further
details, you have to log onto:
https://assignment.wou.edu.my/onlineExtension.asp.

The specimen examination paper can be downloaded from:
(a)WawasanLearn (http://lms.wou.edu.my).
(b) Other past year papers are available on the Student Portal
(My Information  MyExamination  Past Examination Papers)

Question 1
Explain six (6) factors that enabled the Japanese army to defeat
the British forces in Malaya during the Second World War.
(60 marks)

Question 2
Discuss the four (4) functions of the Election Commission.
(40 marks)

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

Part 3: LEARNING GUIDE (UNIT e-BOOK)

Part 3: LEARNING GUIDE
Learning Guide
Structure

Course Structure

Course Load It is a standard practice that Students accumulate 40 Study
Hours for each Credit Hour. For this 3-Credit Hour course,
you are encouraged to spend at least 120 Learning Hours.
In general, besides attending face-to-face tutorials, you should
be able to allocate at least 6 hours weekly to study a course.

Proposed Study Schedule

This is how to divide your time in studying for the course:

Learning Activities / Course Unit Unit Unit Unit Unit Total
Learning Materials
e-Book 1 2 3 4 5 Hour

s

Self-Study (Read, do Self- 10 10 10 10 10 10 60
Tests) 0 2 2 2 2 2 10
Tutorial Classes (attend all
classes at the Regional 2 2 2 2 2 14
Centre)
Online Forum (Participate 4 444 15
Actively)
TMA1 (complete and 4 444 1
submit all on time) 15
CMA (participate online)
TMA2 (complete and 5
submit all on time)
Final Exam (sit for the 120
exam)

Total Hours

Part 4: UNIT e-BOOK

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

Course Overview
Welcome to MPU 2163/03 Malaysian Studies 2. This course focuses on Malaysia‟s
history, its constitutional framework, its system of government and administration, the
political processes, the uniqueness of its multi-ethnic and multireligious population,
ethnic relations, nation building efforts, and the country‟s main economic and social
policies. It will also look at Malaysia‟s foreign policies and current trends.

This course contains five study units, covering the various topics outlined as below:
• Unit 1 introduces you to Malaysian history, from early Malay kingdoms to the
formation of Malaysia.
• Unit 2 discusses the framing of the Federal Constitution and its main provisions. It will
also elaborate on Malaysia‟s parliamentary democracy and the election process.
• Unit 3 gives an account of the system of government and administration in Malaysia.
• Unit 4 is designed to acquaint you with Malaysia‟s plural society, ethnic relations and
approaches to enhance national integration and unity.
• Unit 5 elaborates on the national development philosophy and the main social and
economic policies to promote growth and prosperity of the people.
This unit will also discuss Malaysia‟s foreign policies and the country‟s role in regional
and international organisations.

By the end of this course, you should be able to:
1. Relate the history and development of the nation.
2. Explain the salient features of the Federal Constitution.
3. Discuss Malaysia‟s parliamentary democracy and the system of government.
4. Discuss the origins of Malaysia‟s multi-ethnic society and the challenges of nation
building.
5. Explain Malaysia‟s national and foreign policies.

Unit 1: Early History and the Struggle for Independence

Unit Overview

This unit will relate Malaysian history, from early Malay kingdoms to the formation of
Malaysia. This unit is divided into five sections.

The first section discusses the formation of early kingdoms in the Malay Peninsula.
It also explains the rise and the downfall of the Malacca Sultanate.

The second section covers the colonial period " the intervention of European powers
such as the Portuguese, Dutch and the British in Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah. This
section will also relate the resistance of local leaders to the European occupation of
Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah.

In the third section, we will discuss the Japanese occupation and its effects on the
political and socio-economic situation of the people of Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah.

In addition, this section will focus on the communist threat in Malaya.

The fourth section relates the events leading to the creation of the Malayan Union
and later, the formation of the Federation of Malaya in 1948. This section also explains
the rise of nationalism and the struggles that led to independence from British colonial

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

rule. It will also examine the political developments in Sarawak and Sabah after World
War II.

In the fifth section, you will learn about the formation of Malaysia and the challenges
faced by the new nation. Finally, this section will examine the reasons for Singapore‟s
separation from Malaysia.

Unit Objectives/Unit Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this unit, you should be able to:
1. Discuss early kingdoms and the Malacca Sultanate.
2. Explain European colonisation of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak.
3. Describe the Japanese occupation of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak.
4. Discuss the Emergency era in Malaya.
5. Relate the struggle for independence and the formation of Malaysia.

Sub-Unit Assigned Self-Test
1.1 - Early Readings
kingdoms Please attempt the following self-test questions by
referring to the course materials and answer in
1.2 - Colonial your own words. Discuss your answers with your
period coursemates. This would strengthen your
understanding of this unit.
1.3 - 1. Malacca rose to become an empire in the 15th
Japanese century. Analyse the reasons behind the rise of
occupation Malacca.
and the 2. Explain the reasons for the downfall of the
Emergency Malacca Sultanate in 1511.
era 1. Explain the reasons for the EIC to establish a
base near the Straits of Malacca.
2. Describe how James Brooke was able to
control Sarawak in the 19th century.
3. Elaborate on the British system of
administration in the Federated Malay States.
4. Discuss British intervention in Perak in the late
19th century.
5. The local leaders had resisted the British
expansion into the Malay Peninsula. Discuss their
resistance.
1. Discuss the factors that led to the Japanese
army easy victory over the British forces during
World War II.
2. Explain the social impact of the Japanese
occupation during World War II.
3. The Japanese occupation had influenced the
national movement in Malaya. Analyse the rise of
nationalism in Malaya.
4. Elaborate on the Briggs Plan to defeat the
Malayan Communist Party (MCP) during the
Emergency era.
5. Discuss the measures taken by the British
Government and the Alliance Government to
defeat the Malayan Communist Party (MCP)
during the Emergency era.

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STUDY PROSPECTUS: MPU2163/03 - Malaysian Studies 2

1.4 - Nation 1. Explain the political developments in Sarawak
building and from 1946 to 1961.
the road to 2. State the principles of “The People‟s
independence Constitution for Malaya” of 1947.
3. The proposed Malayan Union of 1946 faced
1.5 - The severe Malay resistance. Analyse why the Malays
formation of opposed the Malayan Union.
Malaysia
1. Discuss the rationale for the formation of
Malaysia in 1963.
2. Explain the reaction of the people of Sarawak
and Sabah to the formation of Malaysia.
3. Describe the Indonesia opposition to the idea of
Malaysia.
4. Elaborate on the efforts taken by the British and
the Malayan Governments to form Malaysia.
5. On 9 August 1965, the Malaysian Parliament
approved the separation of Singapore from
Malaysia. Analyse the factors behind this
separation.

Summary
The 15th century saw the rise of Malacca as a great empire in the Malay archipelago.
Malacca‟s period of greatness was ended by the Portuguese invasion in 1511. In 1641,
the Dutch occupied Malacca and it was followed by the British in 1824. The British
began to expand its power into Malaya in the end of the 18th century and the Northern
Borneo in the mid-19th century. The British colonization was resisted by the natives.

The Japanese occupation and the Emergency era had caused huge sufferings to the
population. Thus, the two events had generated nationalism and the idea of
independence. After World War II, the British implemented the Malayan Union. Due to
strong resistance by the Malays, the British replaced Malayan Union with the
Federation of Malaya 1948. Meanwhile, the British Government also took over the
administration of Sarawak and Sabah. The rise of nationalism saw Malaya gained its
independence on 31 August 1957. In September 1963, a new nation of Malaysia was
created. The main reason for the formation of Malaysia was the communist threat
in Southeast Asia. Along the way, Malaysia had faced numerous challenges such as
strong oppositions from Indonesia and the Philippines. Another big problem was the
separation of Singapore in 1965. But Malaysia had weathered all these challenges and
remains strong till today.

18