Steps in Drafting the Constitution of the Independent Federation of Malaya

From Draft to Law

The Reid Commission produced only a draft; it did not have the final say. Turning that draft into the working Federal Constitution required several careful steps involving the Malay Rulers, the Alliance government and the British authorities. This process ensured the final document reflected local realities and enjoyed broad agreement.

The Working Committee

A Working Committee was set up in 1957 to study the Reid draft. It brought together four representatives of the Malay Rulers, four from the Alliance government, and senior British officials including the High Commissioner, the Chief Secretary and the Attorney General. This committee reviewed the draft clause by clause and proposed important amendments.

Key Amendments and Approval

Several major changes were made to the Reid draft, including making Islam the religion of the Federation, adopting Malay as the national language, and refining the safeguards for the special position of the Malays under Article 153, balanced against the legitimate interests of other communities. Citizenship rested partly on the jus soli principle (citizenship by birth). The revised constitution was then approved by the Federal Legislative Council on 15 August 1957 and endorsed by the Conference of Rulers. It finally came into force on 27 August 1957, four days before independence.