The nationalism that had awoken in Malaya did not stay the same. Before the Second World War it developed through two broad phases, each with different leaders, methods and goals.
The first phase — moderate
The first phase was cautious and moderate. It was led mainly by religious reformers and by English-educated intellectuals and administrators. Their attention was on religion, education, the economy and social welfare rather than on demanding independence. They worked through writing, teaching and forming state-based associations such as the Kesatuan Melayu Singapura (1926) and later Persatuan Melayu Selangor (1938). Their tone was one of cooperation, seeking to raise the Malays' condition within the existing colonial framework instead of openly challenging British rule.
Key idea / 要点
The first phase was moderate and focused on social improvement; the second phase became radical and openly political, demanding independence.
The second phase — radical
The second phase was more radical and political. It was driven by Malay-educated intellectuals, many trained at the SITC, who were angered by colonial rule and inspired by Indonesian nationalism. Their leading body was the Kesatuan Melayu Muda (KMM), founded in 1938 in Kuala Lumpur by Ibrahim Yaacob, with figures such as Ishak Haji Muhammad. Unlike the moderates, the KMM was anti-British and spoke openly of independence, dreaming of a union of Malaya with Indonesia (often called Melayu Raya).
Remember / 记住
- First phase — moderate: religion, education, welfare; state associations.
- Second phase — radical: political, anti-British, seeks independence.
- KMM (1938) — Ibrahim Yaacob; idea of Melayu Raya.