One of the key transformations in the recent history of Malaysia is the process whereby between 1945 and c.1957 ethnic Chinese came more and more to identify with Malaya rather than China.  This careful study examines the activities of Chinese civil organisations and the different concepts of identity, political linkages and aims current in the period.  Reference is made to the role of influential personalities, and newspapers, and public policies including village resettlement, deportation and China-based policies, and the activities of local clan associations and labour unions.  Supporting data is given in chronologies of local events and public gatherings, a name listing, glossary and bibliography.