GS1 PYQ (Mains Answer Writing): Decolonisation of Third World | History for UPSC CSE PDF Download

What problems were germane to the decolonization process in the Malay Peninsula? (UPSC GS1 Mains)

• When the British come to Malaysia in the late 1700's. in the late 1800's the British east Indian company traded and partly controlled. At that time, they began looking for a base in Malaya. During the British rule of Malaysia, Chinese laborer came to Malaya, as miners, merchants and planters, just like people from sub-Saharan Africa were taken to America as slaves, but it wasn't as severe. 
• Similarly, they took South Indians there as slave labour, this created a complex ethnic and religious mix, which made it a big challenge to determine the national boundaries on ethno-language-religion basis. 
• Similarly, the question of retaining the Singapore, where British had made large investments was also a big problem to start with. Ultimately several small provinces came-up apart from large province of Malay, together they merged in 1963 to form the union of Malaysia, However, later in 1965, Singapore left the union. British rule brought profound effects on the nation, transforming the state socially and comically. 
• After some initial resistance in remote areas such as Borneo, the eventually reached peace and cooperation. The British devoted much effort in constructing transport infrastructure in Malaya, reduce incidents in tropical diseases,improved public health facilities.

Topics covered - Decolonisation and After