How did the Japanese Occupation in Southeast Asia shape the development of Southeast Asian nationalism?

Political impacts

• Hinder

Disunity

One of these policies was the divide-and-rule policy. The Japanese deliberately ill-treated the Chinese population and subjected the Malay and Indian population to much better treatment. The difference in treatment upset the Chinese and strained relations among the three ethnic groups significantly. Malayan nationalist movements were hence deprived of the unity needed to make progress. Thus, nationalist movements remained fragmented along racial lines as a result of Japanese rule.

Also, the Japanese authorities tried to collaborate with Malay nationalist leaders. The Japanese trusted them as they were believed to be anti-British. An example was that the leaders of Kesatuan Melayu Muda, who were arrested by the British, were released when the Japanese had control over Malaya. The pre-conceived beliefs of the Japanese led to further dissatisfaction of the other races as they were entirely neglected. They continued to suffer under the policies of the British, while the Malays were emancipated. This further strained relations among races.

The Japanese also used the Malays to hunt down anti-Japanese insurgents who were mainly Chinese. Due to the Sino-Japanese war which led to the suffering of many Chinese, Japan had always been a common enemy of the Chinese. Hence, they were all anti-Japanese. During the Japanese occupation, Malays were employed in the military and police force to hunt down such people. This thus led to racial friction and the worsening relations between the Chinese and Malays in Malaya as they were now enemies. The disunity amongst the races were intensified. The impact of the friction between the Chinese and Malays became even more obvious when the war ended. After Japan surrendered, the MPAJA took advantage of the anarchy and started to take revenge on the Malays that helped the Japanese even though they all belonged to the Malayan community. This conflict had caused negative racial sentiments between the Malay and Chinese and it was even harder for them to work together to work towards nationalism.

As mentioned above, Malayan nationalism was heavily hindered by disunity among races. Nationalist groups were distinctly differentiated by races because of their conflicts, and were hence unable to appeal to a large group of people. Thus, in spite of enthusiastic leaders eager to attain independence for the country, the lack of mass support hindered the development of Malayan nationalism as they was no force large enough to make an impact.

• Help

Resistance Movements

Before Malaya fell to Japan in 1942, animosity had already existed between the two parties because of the Second Sino-Japanese War. During the war,  Japan strategised to seize embargoed goods in Malaya and gain control of the resources. On December 18 1941, shortly before the fall of Singapore, the British and the Malayan Communist Party (MCP), formerly not on good terms, agreed to cooperate against the Japanese in Malaya.

The MCP established a strong politico-military resistance movement, the Malayan People’s Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA). The units of the army were trained and given weapons and ammunition by the British. They also had capable leaders.

At the end of the war, the MPAJA disbanded and weapons were supposed to be returned to the British. However, in reality, the weapons were hidden in the jungle and left unreturned. The presence of the arms prepared the nationalists for future communist revolts and eventually allowed the MCP to be a legal party. Arms and weapons gave the nationalist groups the ability to stand up to fight for nationalism and eventually achieve their aim of achieving independence. 

Thus, the Japanese Occupation of Malaya reminded the locals of the indignation they suffered during the Second Sino-Japanese War  and incited negative feelings among them. The nationalists, determined to never be manipulated by the Japanese again,   increased their political influence in Malaya. They attained arms which aided their nationalist movements greatly, because they signified a form of supremacy and were able to command mass fear/respect. Nationalist movements were hence able to proceed smoothly.

Development of Malay Nationalism

During the Japanese Occupation, the Malays were encouraged by the Japanese to act in government, mostly through holding administrative positions in the government. That was the first time the Malays were given power in their country. Naturally, they felt a sense of belonging to their country and realised that they were the rightful citizens and owners of Malaya. They became eager to protect their rights and govern their country themselves.

Thus, the Japanese Occupation fuelled nationalistic sentiments among the Malays and gave them experience and self-confidence, which eventually prepared them to stand up against British rule after the end of the war.

British prestige lowered

The victory of Japan against the British at the start of the war in Malaya caused the loss in British prestige. Japan was an Asian country and was perceived to be weaker than advanced western countries, especially a big colonial ruler like Britain. Britain also had a powerful military record and many thought they were undefeatable. However, as the British army was struggling to face the war in Europe, manpower resources were limited. This led to the whole of Malaya being taken by the Japanese in less than 2 months under British rule and this showed that the British were weak and unable to protect Malaya from harm. Hence, Malayans started to feel that the British were not capable of leading them anymore and questioned their rule.

Pre war, the Malayans were satisfied with the government. The government was stable and the Sultan had sovereignty. There was development and the elites were given chances to high positions. However, due to the failure of the British to protect them from the Japanese, the Malayans had increasing doubts about the abilities of the British which led to their want for independence and self rule. They wanted to govern and protect themselves and not rely on the British who were deemed  incapable of protecting Malaya. This increased nationalist sentiments as the Malayans were then disappointed and displeased with the British, unlike before World War II where they were satisfied with British colonial rule under the Residential system. Hence, this meant that there was increased support for nationalism and thus a rise in nationalism.

Lawlessness and Violence

The absence of law and order after Japan’s surrender created chaos in the Malayan states. There were no strict laws or regulations governing the people’s actions and people could almost do anything without being held accountable.  That presented itself as an opportune moment  for the nationalist groups to rise as no one could control or suppress them.

As a result of the lack of guidelines and proper systems to govern operations, the MCP gained widespread support and quickly grew in strength. The MPAJA later took control over Malaya and BMA restored law and order within the country (gain governing experience).

Thus, anarchy caused by the Japanese Occupation proved to be an opportunity for nationalist groups to exercise their power and gain the support needed. It created a power vacuum and nationalists could exploit the MCP/MPAJA.