JAPANESE RACIAL POLICY IN MALAYA AND SINGAPORE DURING THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION : ITS IMPACT ON NATIONAL INTEGRATION

Abstract

This is an examination of the impact of Japanese racial Policy during the Japanese Occupation of Malaya and Singapore between roughly 1942 - 1945 with a view to understanding its nature and causes on the one hand and how it might have affected race relations in Malaya subsequently on the other. The dissertation is comprised of two parts. The first part examines the external factors such as British policy and the characteristics of the Japanese to assist understanding of the Japanese racial policy and the second part focuses on the Internal, in the region, viz. the actual measures taken by the Japanese in their treatment of the three major races. Prior to the occupation, race relations In Malaya had been generally peaceful. Chapter 1 discusses the characteristics of the plural society before the Japanese entered Malaya In the context of the British policy. British colonial rule saw a great Influx of Immigrants from China and India. The culture and the mentality of the Japanese is discussed In Chapter 2 to understand the reasons behind the shifts and turns of the Japanese racial policies, as well as Japan's position and strength In the past. Chapter 3 examines actual Japanese racial policy toward each race - Malay, Chinese and Indian under the notion of Greater East Asia co - Prosperity Sphere. customs and religion were generally respected. The Chinese were the most oppressed and ill-treated due to the Sino-Japanese war. The Indians were treated fairly well because of India's Importance to Japanese war plans. Chapter 4 evaluates and makes an overall comparison of the British and the Japanese policy in Malaya and Singapore to see whether there were parallels or differences to obtain a broader perspective. It also attempts to examine the true intention of the Japanese notion of Greater East Asia Co - Prosperity Sphere and the reasons for the shifts of policies subsequently. Last but not least, its impact on race relations and nationalism ls examined. In this study, Japanese racial policy is examined by recourse to research done on the subject and references to government documents.