USAHA-USAHA KE ARAH MEWUJUDKAN KEHARMONIAN KAUM BERIKUTAN BERLAKUNYA PERGADUHAN MELAYU-CINA, 1945-1955

This article discusses the measures taken by the British, Sultans and local leaders in restoring racial harmony as a consequence of the Malay-Chinese fighting incidents over the years 1945-1955 in Malaya. The difficulties and hardships experienced by these two communities due to the clashes had created a sense of awareness on the importance of racial harmony. The efforts towards mutual understanding were initiated by local leaders and influential figures. The British upon returning to Malaya introduced recovery plans by establishing the British Military Administration (BMA). Its goal was to reorganise the British administration in Malaya. The key to this agenda was to restore racial harmony through a recovery plan that focused on political, legislative, social and economic interests of the people. Emphasis was given to stimulate the latter. Reconciliation efforts implemented at the local level were crucial in restoring peace and public confidence towards the integrity of local leaders to create mutual respect between races. Restoring peace and racial harmony had become an important area in forming alliances towards achieving political independence for the country.