Peranan Wakil Cina dalam Majlis Mesyuarat Persekutuan, 1909-1927 (The Role of Chinese Representatives in Federal Council, 1909-1927)

Abstract

This study examines the role of Chinese representatives in the British colonial administration at the federal level in the Federated Malay States between 1909 until 1927. The effectiveness of governance and administration was a key concern for the British in maintaining their colonial rule, and the involvement of the Chinese community formed part of this strategic framework. While previous research has primarily focused on Chinese participation in economic sectors such as mining and trade, this study highlights their administrative contributions, which have received comparatively less scholarly attention. In particular, the analysis centres on the appointment and function of Chinese members within the Federal Council (Majlis Mesyuarat Persekutuan), a formal legislative body under British colonial governance. Using a qualitative approach through library based research, this study draws on official records specifically the Shorthand Report of the Proceedings of the Federal Council- as well as secondary sources. The findings reveal that five appointed Chinese representatives actively safeguarded the interests, welfare and social development of the Chinese community through their involvement in key areas such as mining, plantations, education, labour, health, welfare, and land administration. Their roles extended beyond economic advocacy, encompassing broader social issues including urban settlement, schooling, opium consumption, gambling and prostitution. This study contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the Chinese community’s engagement in colonial governance and challenges the predominant focus on Malay administrative participation in existing historiography.