Why a Commission Was Needed
Once Britain agreed that Malaya would become independent, a proper written constitution had to be prepared to govern the new nation. To ensure fairness and impartiality, an independent Constitutional Commission—popularly called the Reid Commission—was appointed in March 1956. Its independence mattered greatly: because none of its members were British colonial officials or local politicians, its recommendations could not be seen as favouring any single party.
Membership and Terms of Reference
The commission had five members, all drawn from Commonwealth countries. It was chaired by Lord Reid of Britain, with Sir Ivor Jennings (Britain), Sir William McKell (Australia), B. Malik (India) and Justice Abdul Hamid (Pakistan). Its terms of reference required a strong central (federal) government with states retaining some autonomy, a constitutional monarchy headed by a Yang di-Pertuan Agong, safeguards for the position and prestige of the Malay Rulers, a common nationality, and protection for the special position of the Malays alongside the legitimate interests of other communities.
The Commission at Work
The commission invited the public to submit their views and received 131 memoranda from political parties, associations and individuals. After studying these submissions and holding hearings, it produced a draft constitution and submitted its report in February 1957. This draft became the foundation of the Federal Constitution of independent Malaya.
Key idea
The Reid Commission was an independent, five-member Commonwealth body that drafted Malaya's constitution, receiving 131 memoranda and submitting its report in 1957.
Remember
- Appointed March 1956; chaired by Lord Reid.
- Five members from Britain, Australia, India and Pakistan.
- Received 131 memoranda; report submitted February 1957.