To prepare Malaya for independence, the British and Malayan leaders agreed to appoint an independent body of legal experts to draft a permanent constitution. This body was the Reid Commission, set up in 1956.
The Reid Commission
The commission was chaired by Lord Reid of Britain and included jurists from across the Commonwealth: Sir Ivor Jennings (Britain), Sir William McKell (Australia), B. Malik (India) and Abdul Hamid (Pakistan). Its independence and mixed membership gave the constitution international credibility.
- The commission received about 131 memoranda from political parties, organisations and individuals.
- It studied the wishes of the Alliance (UMNO–MCA–MIC), the rulers and the people.
- It produced a draft that balanced the interests of the different communities.
Key idea
Reid Commission (1956) → draft constitution → reviewed by a Working Committee → Federal Constitution in force 27 August 1957 → independence 31 August 1957.
From draft to law
The commission's draft was examined by a Working Committee made up of representatives of the rulers, the Alliance government and the British. Certain sensitive matters were settled as part of the wider social contract, including citizenship, the national language, Islam and the special position of the Malays. The final Federal Constitution came into force on 27 August 1957, just days before Malaya became independent on 31 August 1957.
Remember
- The Reid Commission was appointed in 1956 and chaired by Lord Reid.
- Members came from Britain, Australia, India and Pakistan.
- It received about 131 memoranda.
- The Constitution came into force on 27 August 1957.