Under British rule
For many years, Malaya was ruled by the British. Slowly, the people wanted to govern their own land. This feeling of love for the country and the wish to be free is called nationalism.
Rising to oppose the Malayan Union
In 1946, the British introduced the Malayan Union. Many Malays felt it took away the power of the Malay Rulers, so they protested. That same year, Dato' Onn Jaafar helped found UMNO to fight against it. Because of the protests, the Malayan Union was replaced by the Federation of Malaya in 1948.
Key idea
The people united across races through the Alliance Party (UMNO, MCA and MIC), led by Tunku Abdul Rahman. Unity was the key to winning independence.
Talks in London
The Alliance won the first federal election in 1955. In 1956, Tunku Abdul Rahman led a group to London to ask for independence. The British agreed. Independence, or Merdeka, was set for 31 August 1957.
Remember
- Malaya was ruled by the British.
- UMNO was founded in 1946 to oppose the Malayan Union.
- Tunku Abdul Rahman led the Alliance to independence.