The Malayan Union: Its Abolition

The intensity of Malay opposition to the Malayan Union could be gauged from their attitude towards the Sultans. In 1946, the Sultans were still occupying their traditional status, i.e. an almost sacred one. Yet, we come across voices of criticism. One such voice was expressed in the form of a pantun.

Ampun Tuanku duli Mahkota
Fikir-lah kapada rakyat jelata
Teriti di-baharui elok sa-kata
Supaya tidak puteh mata

Jika lebeh memandang dunia
Rakyat kelak teraniaya
Tuanku semayam di-atas bahaya
Hilang kelak taat setia

Harimau terjumlah binatang gagah
Kerana kuku ada bercheranggah
Hilang kuku tiada semenggah
Belang sahaja tidakkan megah

Patek semua menunggu rahmat
Mengubah teriti biar chermat
Siasat selidek dengan jimat
Supaya rakyat jadi selamat

The writer of this pantun was appealing to the Sultans to unite with the people in order to avoid colonised. He urged the rulers not to do anything that might betray the people for then they would lose the support of the masses.

Further, he stated that the Sultans would only be powerful if they continued to have their sovereign rights, and he therefore pleaded that the Sultans should be extremely careful in dealing with treaty changes so that the welfare of the people would be protcted.

Reference: Zainal Abidin Abd Wahid, Glimpses of Malaysian History