The Alliance showed that parties from different communities could cooperate, win elections and negotiate a workable government to replace colonial rule.
UMNO joined the Malayan Chinese Association (MCA) and Malayan Indian Congress (MIC) in the Alliance, a coalition led by Tunku Abdul Rahman. These parties drew support from major Malay, Chinese and Indian communities. Working together gave their leaders a way to bargain over different interests instead of taking separate demands to Britain. It did not mean each party represented every member of its community.
The Alliance won 51 of the 52 elected seats in the 1955 federal election. This gave it an electoral mandate: evidence of voters' support for it to govern and pursue its programme. Tunku became chief minister. Britain now faced a locally supported leadership that could negotiate across communities, strengthening the case that a transfer of power could work.
At the 1956 London talks, representatives of the elected government and the Malay rulers pressed for independence. Negotiations produced a target date, plans to increase Malayan ministers' responsibilities and arrangements for continuing defence cooperation. The Reid Commission, a body asked to recommend a constitution, heard views and prepared proposals for the new state. Further discussions and approval were needed; winning an election did not by itself settle citizenship, language or religion.
Agreement on independence also differed from agreement on every constitutional term. In Sources B and C, Lord Milverton questions the British government in the House of Lords, part of Britain's law-making Parliament; minister Earl of Perth replies. Both acknowledge different opinions, but Milverton stresses anxiety while Perth defends the consultation process. Being consulted does not mean agreeing with the outcome. Because B and C are one question-and-reply exchange, they are not two independent surveys of Malayan opinion.
Worked example: From election support to a negotiated transfer
Explain how the Alliance contributed to independence, using cooperation, the 1955 election and the London talks.
- Cooperation between UMNO, MCA and MIC gave leaders a way to negotiate across communities, making a stable local government more credible.
- Winning 51 of 52 elected seats gave the Alliance evidence of voter support, strengthening its claim to lead that government.
- Alliance leaders and the rulers' representatives used negotiations to press for a timetable and constitutional arrangements. Organisation and votes helped make an agreed transfer possible.
Watch out for this
Britain alone created independence without local pressure or negotiation.
The Alliance supplied electoral support and a negotiating leadership. Britain, the rulers, voters and other local groups also shaped the path to independence.
Check your understanding
Why did the Alliance's election victory strengthen negotiations?
- It showed substantial voter support for a coalition that could form a local government.
- It gave the Alliance sovereignty immediately, so the London talks only announced an existing independence.
- It showed that consultation over citizenship and religion was no longer needed.