What the Member System was
The Member System (Sistem Ahli) was introduced in 1951 on the recommendation of the Communities Liaison Committee and with the approval of High Commissioner Sir Henry Gurney. Selected local leaders were appointed as "Members" and each was placed in charge of a government department — for example home affairs, health, agriculture, education or works — much like a minister.
Purpose
The scheme had clear aims:
- To give local leaders real experience of running government departments;
- To prepare Malaya gradually for self-government and eventual independence;
- To encourage cooperation between the different communities in a shared administration.
The Members were drawn from the main communities, so Malays, Chinese and Indians all took part in governing for the first time.
Why it mattered
Although the Members still worked under British supervision and did not have full power, the system was an important training ground. It taught local leaders how ministries and portfolios work and built the habit of collective, multi-racial government. For this reason the Member System is remembered as a direct forerunner of the Cabinet that would run the country after 1955. It also gave the people confidence that local leaders, and not only British officials, were capable of managing the affairs of a modern state.
Key idea
The Member System (1951), approved by Sir Henry Gurney, gave local leaders charge of government departments as training for self-government — the direct forerunner of the Cabinet.
Remember
- Introduced 1951; approved by High Commissioner Sir Henry Gurney.
- Recommended by the Communities Liaison Committee.
- "Members" ran departments like ministers, under British supervision.
- A forerunner of the Cabinet and training for self-government.