The Malayan Emergency Leaflets: Its Roles and Effects in The “Psychological War” against Communism during The Malayan Emergency Period

Risalah Darurat: Peranan Dan Kesannya Terhadap “ Perang Saraf” Dalam Melawan Komunis Semasa Zaman Darurat Di Tanah Melayu

Authors

  • Asyiqah Binti Mohamad Jamil IIUM

Keywords:

Malayan Emergency Leaflets, communist, propaganda, Malaya

Abstract

During the Second World War period, the propaganda leaflets are widely utilized by the Japanese and Allied Powers to spread their propaganda in their colonial sphere. In the case of Malaya, the British eventually has decided to use the same method to fight against the communist insurgency by 1950. This method is also known as a part of ‘Perang Saraf' throughout the Malayan Emergency period. Upon the Emergency leaflets distribution all over Malaya, many insurgents and civilians were convinced to cooperate to end the terror. This study, therefore, attempts to analyze the British modus operandi in the 'Psychological War' within the Malayan Emergency period. Besides, it is crucial to re-examine the contents and the purposes of the Emergency Leaflets from different perspectives. As a result, the distribution of the Emergency leaflets has eradicated the influences of communism. Hence, it had increased the cooperation of its insurgents, spies, and civilians with authority. This paper utilizes sources like the Emergency Leaflets samples, the British Military Administration records, colonial period newspapers, articles journal, and books related to the issue. Finally, this paper will hopefully contribute towards the understanding of the ‘Psychological War’ as an essential method of saving the energy, expenses, and most importantly, the lives of innocent civilians.

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References

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Published

2021-05-19

How to Cite

Asyiqah Binti Mohamad Jamil. (2021). The Malayan Emergency Leaflets: Its Roles and Effects in The “Psychological War” against Communism during The Malayan Emergency Period: Risalah Darurat: Peranan Dan Kesannya Terhadap “ Perang Saraf” Dalam Melawan Komunis Semasa Zaman Darurat Di Tanah Melayu. The Sultan Alauddin Sulaiman Shah Journal (JSASS), 8(1), 37-48. Retrieved from https://jsass.uis.edu.my/index.php/jsass/article/view/133