Rethinking the nationalist ideas of Ibrahim Yacoob

Current literature has extensively discussed the emergence and the development of Malay nationalism in British Malaya. Although the voices of the Malay conservatives are more dominant in national narratives, there has been a rising awareness of the importance of alternative voices in national history. This thesis seeks to explore the significance of a Malay radical, Ibrahim Yaacob. Despite being an “invisible nationalist”, analysing the rise, the growth and the eventual fall of his political ideas are critical to better understand the history of the Malay nations we see today. This study is more than just another biography of a Malay radical or an attempt to liberate Malay radicals from the darkness of public discourses. Specifically, I hope to challenge these discourses and rethink the history of Malay nationalism by considering the perspectives of Ibrahim Yaacob and other Malay radicals. These perspectives will then enable us to comprehend the limitations of national narratives and also the complexities of Malay nationalism. Indeed, the journey towards independence is not a straightforward path. It is more than just overcoming all odds and triumphing as an independent state.Bachelor of Arts in Histor