British Colonial Administration And The 'Ethnic Division Of Labour' In Malaya

Abstract

The phenomenon of ethnic differentiation and identification in Malaysia, particularly from a historical perspective, has been little studied despite its obvious importance and interest. To whatextent, for example, can the ethnic differentiation of labour whose redress is one of the main aims of the Malaysia government be explained by the ‘inherent’ characteristics of each community or to other factors continues to be an issue of controversy.

This paper argues that, notwithstanding the complexity of factors that go to explain social phenomenon, the colonial government must be regarded as playing the decisive role in the development of ethnic occupational differentiation. Evidence of British policy towards Malays, Chinese and Indians in land, labour, education and economy clearly reveals the stereotypes that underpinned British thinking. The result of policy was to structure or enhance the stagnation of Malays in the padi fields and Indians in the plantations, although Chinese due to their intermediary role in the modern economy were more able to overcome obstacles to mobility. Both the notion of the different ‘inherent’ characteristics and abilities of the ‘natives’ and their own deeply felt sense of racial superiority formed critical conditioning factors for the British in their pursuit of the Pax Britannica in Malaya.