Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Emergency
While the creation of the Federation of Malaya appeased Malays, the Chinese felt betrayed,
particularly after their massive contribution to the war effort. Many joined the Malayan
Communist Party (MCP), which promised an equitable and just society. In 1948 the MCP
took to the jungles and embarked on a 12-year guerrilla war against the British. Even
though the insurrection was on par with the Malay civil wars of the 19th century, it was
classified as an 'emergency' for insurance purposes.
The effects of the Emergency were felt most strongly in the countryside, where villages
and plantation owners were repeatedly targeted by rebels. In 1951 the British high commis-
sioner was assassinated on the road to Fraser's Hill. His successor, General Sir Gerald
Templer, set out to 'win the hearts and minds of the people'. Almost 500,000 rural Chinese
were resettled into protected 'new villages', restrictions were lifted on guerrilla-free areas
and the jungle-dwelling Orang Asli were brought into the fight to help the police track
down the insurgents.
In 1960 the Emergency was declared over, although sporadic fighting continued and the
formal surrender was signed only in 1989.
Noel Barber's
War of the Running Dogs
is a classic account of the 12-year Malayan Emergency. The title refers
to what the communist fighters called the opposition who were loyal to the British.
