DARAH DAN AIR MATA BEKOR: MENGIMBAU KEMBALI PERISTIWA 6 MAC 1946

Abstract

This article discusses an incident that occurred on 6 March 1946 at Bekor Village in Kuala Kangsar, Perak. On that morning, Bekor Village was attacked by the communists as a reprisal for not supporting their struggle. A close relationship that had been built over a long period among ethnic groups suddenly turned into a racial confrontation at the end of the war. This relationship that was filled with suspicion transformed into attacks after the withdrawal of Japanese military from Malaya. The feeling of prejudice sparked mutual grudge particularly by the communists towards Malays. An examination of primary and secondary sources showed that the event on 6 March 1946 left a major impact on race relations in Malaya. The sources indicate the British Military Administration failed to handle the situation effectively. The study also found that the incident served as an early catalyst to the rise of Malay nationalism.