Kebangkitan Parti Komunis Malaya (PKM), 1968-1989: Penelitian Terhadap Kegiatan Komunis di Semenanjung Malaysia (The Rise of The Communist Party of Malaya (CPM), 1968-1989: Review of Communist Activities In Peninsular Malaysia)

Abstract

This article studies the re-emerged of Malayan Communist Party (MCP) in Peninsular Malaysia on 1 June 1968 to resume their armed struggle. The MCP failed in their first armed struggle that began on 16 June 1948 and lasted until 31 July 1960, during the period of Emergency in Malaya. The re-emergence of the MCP was due to several factors, which were their ability to win support from the populace in southern Thailand, the spread of communist influence in Mainland China, Vietnam, and Sarawak, and the reorganisation of the MCP. These factors led the MCP to the idea that their struggle should be resumed. The objective of MCP’s re-emergence was similar to their earlier goal to seize control of the nation and establish a communist republic in the Peninsular. The main targets of the MCP in their latest campaign were the security forces and their high-ranking officers who were responsible for the main opposition to the communists. The communists attacked civilians, sabotaged public facilities and involved in bank robberies. Furthermore, the communists infiltrated education institutions and labour unions, as well as influencing political leaders and also displayed their flag and distribute communist propaganda tracts in public places. This study found that the acts perpetrated by the communists have caused problems and unrest in the country. However, the MCP failed in their armed struggle and agreed to sign a peace treaty with the government on 2 December 1989.