Kompromi Politik Dato’ Onn Jaafar dalam Menangani Konflik Perkauman Selepas Pendudukan Jepun di Tanah Melayu

Dato’ Onn Jaafar Political Compromise in Addressing Racial Conflict after The Japanese Occupation in Malaya

Abstract

This article examines the Dato' Onn Jaafar political compromise of in addressing racial conflict after the Japanese occupation at Malaya. British divide and rule policy has led to racial and economic disparities in Malaya. This has been exacerbated by the occupation of Japanese that has caused the seeds of racial prejudice. Prejudices and preconceptions have been translated into racial conflict after the withdrawal of Japanese troops. Three Stars Army has committed violence and injustice in an effort to legitimize their rule until the cause of the Malays and Chinese were involved in racial conflicts. During this critical time, the Malay intelligentsia in particular is trying to restore communal harmony in Malaya. This article will examine the political compromise by Dato' Onn Jaafar as an intermediary in the relationship relax and recover in Malaya. Sources of the study consists of files from the primary and secondary data. The study found that Dato' Onn Jaafar was among the Malay intelligentsia who have been instrumental in resolving communal conflict after the withdrawal of Japanese troops from Malaya. Dato' Onn Jaafar has inspired the Malays to unite the community and pave the way towards building the strength of the nation. His political compromise has sparked nationalism and pave the way towards independence.