DR. BURHANUDDIN AL-HELMI: KEGIATAN NASIONALISME DAN POLITIK DI ZAMAN PENDUDUKAN JEPUN, 1940-1945

Abstract

Dr Burhanuddin al-Helmi was an avid nationalist who felt very strongly about obtaining
independence from the British. One of the more interesting aspects of Burhanuddin's political struggles was his ideas of Islam which he sought to inculcate in his struggles although he was viewed as a radical Malay with strong leftist leanings. This article examines Burhanuddin's political thoughts and activities during the Japanese Occupation of Malaya. His cooperation and activities with the Japanese military would also be examined. Burhanuddin's was given special treatment by the Japanese military administration and was appointed as a special advisor on Islamic affairs and Malay customs based in Taiping, Perak. This enabled him to obtain some experience in administration. Thus the Japanese Occupation of Malaya provided Burhanuddin with a good opportunity to pursue his political struggles. He hoped that the entry of the Japanese into Malaya would provide an opportunity for Malaya to obtain independence together with Indonesia. The Japanese Occupation invariably had a strong impact on Burhanuddin's political struggles and spirit of nationalism, and in a broader sense that of the Malay community and Malaya.