The effects of Japanese occupation in Sabah: during and after World War II (1941-1963)

Arshad Islam, Islam (2020) The effects of Japanese occupation in Sabah: during and after World War II (1941-1963). Intellectual Discourse, 28 (2). pp. 511-528. ISSN 0128-4878 E-ISSN 2289-5639

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Abstract

The Japanese were the only colonial power that challenged British hegemony in Sabah, then known as “North Borneo”. In 1941 they attacked and defeated the British North Borneo Company (BNBC) and assumed governance of the land for the remainder of the war. Although their presence was temporary, it was enough to fundamentally alter the course of the history of Sabah. This paper explores the effects of the Japanese occupation during the years 1942 to 1963, concentrating on economic, political, and social progress. This includes two distinctive periods: the invasion and occupation (1942-1945) and over the longer term, including both positive and negative effects for local peoples. This study is important to understand the reasons for the transition of Sabah from a British Protectorate to a Crown Colony, set against its role in the framework of the Japanese “Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere”. Studies of the history of Sabah in general are lacking, particularly concerning the important years of British colonialism, the Japanese occupation, and the decolonization period. This study draws on archival and library resources to find that the Japanese occupation brought problems to certain parties and fields, alongside some tangible benefits for some groups. It is hoped that this study will open up historical understanding and investigation of the significance of Japanese influence in Sabah.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Additional Information:	1440/86822
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Japanese occupation, British colonialism, Crown Colony, North Borneo, Sabah, Malaya, Malaysia
Subjects:	D History General and Old World > DS Asia D History General and Old World > DU Oceania (South Seas) H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General) > H51 History
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Human Sciences > Department of History & Civilization
Depositing User:	Dr. Arshad Islam
Date Deposited:	30 Dec 2020 16:41
Last Modified:	24 May 2021 23:54
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/86822

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