3.6 The Negotiations for Independence

Presentation

Do you know why the British government refused to give independence to the country? What were the problems that hindered the British to grant independence? For your information, the main problem was unity among the people due to the diversity of origin, culture, language and religion. If the people were not able to prove to the British that they had united and could cooperate among them, then the British government would grant independence. Thus, the British government had taken some efforts to promote unity among the people. Among the efforts are:
a) Establishment of Inter-Ethnic Relations Committee

As a field to discuss racial problems openly and solve the problems through consultation

As a bridge for leaders of various races to get closer

b) Implementation of Member System (just like Cabinet of Ministers today) in the Federal Legislative Council.

To train local leaders of various races to get involved in the administration

To promote cooperation among the leaders and the people

From the side of the people, they had to prove to the British government that the people had united and ready to work together for the country. Thus, UMNO, MCA and MIC had form a pact known as the Alliance Part in 1955. The forming of the alliance party had become a proof on the unity among the major three races at that time. The Alliance Party had won 51 out of 52 contended seats in the general election in 1955. The achievement had become a catalyst to a more cooperation to achieve the independence of the country.
After the Alliance Party's victory in the 1955 General Elections, negotiations for independence took place. Below is the chronology of the process of negotiations until the proclamation of independence:

3.6 The Negotiations for Independence