The election of 1955
The first federal general election was held on 27 July 1955 to choose members of the Federal Legislative Council. Of the council's seats, 52 elected seats were contested by candidates from several parties, including the Alliance, PAS and Parti Negara. This was the first time voters across Malaya chose their national representatives.
A landslide for the Alliance
The Alliance (UMNO-MCA-MIC), led by Tunku Abdul Rahman, won a huge victory, taking 51 of the 52 seats. The remaining single seat went to PAS. The result showed that most voters trusted the multi-racial Alliance and its promise to lead Malaya to independence.
What the result meant
Because of the win, Tunku Abdul Rahman became the first Chief Minister (Ketua Menteri) of the Federation and formed a government. The election gave the Alliance the authority to speak for the people in the independence talks with Britain, and it directly led to the London negotiations and the setting of 31 August 1957 as Merdeka Day. The scale of the victory also gave the Alliance great confidence and unity, allowing its leaders to speak to Britain with one clear voice on behalf of the people.
| Detail | Fact |
|---|---|
| Date | 27 July 1955 |
| Seats contested | 52 elected seats |
| Alliance won | 51 seats |
| PAS won | 1 seat |
| Chief Minister | Tunku Abdul Rahman |
Key idea
In the first federal election on 27 July 1955, the Alliance won 51 of 52 seats, making Tunku Abdul Rahman Chief Minister and giving it the mandate to negotiate independence.
Remember
- Date: 27 July 1955.
- 52 elected seats contested.
- Alliance won 51; PAS won 1.
- Tunku Abdul Rahman became Chief Minister.