The Straits Times, Feb 13, 1998 Excerpt from report The Malayan Emergency, which lasted from 1948 to 1960, was triggered off by an insurgency by the Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) which demanded immediate independence from British rule. Britain and its allies responded by mounting a large-scale military and political anti-insurgency operation. In 1957, Malaya became independent but the state of emergency was only declared officially over in 1960. At that time, I was very young and was not a very political person. But when I now read about the new, modern Singapore and the changes that have taken place in Malaysia, I often think what these countries would be like today had the communists taken over. Yes, it was well worth the effort. -- Mr Robert Haxton, 64, a retired Toronto police officer. Mr Haxton was 19 when he came to Singapore in 1954. He was posted to various camps in Malaya (including Singapore) before he left in June 1955. The Communist Party of Malaya (CPM) demands immediate independence from the British colonial authorities. In March 1948, it announces a programme of mass struggle against British imperialism. On June 16, 1948, CPM rebels launch armed attacks against rubber plantations. Emergency regulations are put into action. Guerillas assassinate Britain's High Commissioner, Sir Henry Gurney, in 1951. British security forces gain military and social upperhand and drive the guerillas into the jungle. By the mid-'50s, the insurrection is well contained and the guerillas are forced to retreat to areas along the border with Thailand. Turning point occurs in Dec 1955 after talks between CPM general secretary Chin Peng, Malayan Chief Minister Tengku Abdul Rahman and Singapore Chief Minister David Marshall fail. After this, the communist challenge loses its force. Malaya is given independence in 1957. Singapore attains self-government in 1959. CPM engages in sporadic attacks after 1960 but makes no headway because of internal problems and the efforts of government forces. In 1960, the state of Emergency is rescinded. In Singapore, the communist movement is crushed by the time the island becomes independent in 1965. After the end of the Vietnam war in 1975, the CPM revives military activities without any political advantage. On Dec 2, 1989, the CPM surrenders by signing a peace agreement with Malaysia and Thailand to terminate all military action. Chin Peng, who has not been seen in public since 1955, signs on behalf of the CPM. Chin Peng appears to return to the jungle but is believed to be engaged in commercial activity in southern Thailand. Previous Moses' start page Leslie's start page Chee Beng's start page Nura's start page Copyright © 1998 Singapore Press Holdings. All Rights Reserved.