ABSTRACT
Before gaining independence from the United Kingdom, Malaya was occupied by Japan in 1942–45. During the three years and seven months of the occupation, the Japanese military regime executed the Chinese suspected of anti-Japanese activities and accorded privileges to the indigenous Malays. This deliberate 'divide and rule' policy worsened the deep cleavages already existing then within the multi-ethnic society. After Malaya became independent in 1957, Japan established diplomatic relations with it.
