In 1957, Malayans gained the right to govern themselves, even though British businesses and troops stayed for a time.
The Federation of Malaya became independent on 31 August 1957. It gained sovereignty, the right to govern itself. It became a federation with a king who ruled under the constitution. The government needed the support of elected members of parliament.
Be careful with dates. Malaysia was formed later, in 1963. Singapore did not become independent with Malaya in 1957.
Some things did not change at once. British businesses and troops stayed. The Emergency went on until 1960. In Source D, Lee Kuan Yew writes from Singapore before independence. He expected British business and troops to remain. But he said control would pass to Malayans, who could later choose to change those ties.
- 31 August 1957
- Federation of Malaya becomes independent.
- 1963
- Malaysia is formed, a separate later event.
- Sovereignty
- The right of a country to govern itself.
Worked example: Political power despite continuing ties
Source D expects British business and troops to stay after independence.
- British firms and troops remain in Malaya.
- But Malayan leaders now decide the rules.
- So they can later choose to keep or change those ties. That is real independence.
Watch out for this
Continued British investment proves Malaya was still a colony.
Foreign businesses can stay in an independent country. What changed is who makes the decisions.
Check your understanding
What was the most important change on 31 August 1957?
- All British businesses and troops left Malaya.
- Malayans gained the authority to govern their own country.
- Malaysia was formed, including Singapore.