The Malayan Communist Party as Recorded in the Comintern Files

workers were mobilized, the Chinese patriotic movement developed and our camp was
strengthened. But a serious mistake was made in the Party activities in this period. Some comrades
considered activities in the MCAJBS as the principal ones, could not see through the conciliatory
character of the bourgeoisie’s politics, and neglected to consolidate the defense of the Party. They
considered it necessary to stay neutral in the imperialist war and to focus all attention on backing
Chiang Kai Shek. In September 1939, BI was drawn into the European War and the MCP was
confronted with two wars, an anti-imperialist war and a war against BI’s aggression toward
Malayan people.
(2) 12 September 1939. Central Politburo: 31
The expansion of the Imperialist War would surely bring about an increase in economic
exploitation and burden on the people. It will raise the anti-imperialist and the anti-war sentiments
of masses and lead to the revolution.
Our slogans are:
(internally)
Strengthening and expansion of party organization and solidarity. Decisive struggle
against rightist opportunistic leaning and remnants of factionalism.
Strengthening and expansion of the mass bases. Positive leadership in economic
struggle to improve workers’ positions. Establishment of the leadership of the Party
in the mass movement.
Utilization of politico-economic struggle for national interests.
(externally)
Opposition to forced military mobilization, increase in taxes for workers and
robbing people of freedom.
Strengthening united activities and solidarity among nationals. Pursuing the
democratic system.
Thorough rejection of support for BI to carry out war. Struggle to oppose the
“Munich of the Orient” with its sacrifice of the Chinese people. 32
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