became an independent nation on August 31, 1957, after 83 years of British rule.

A constitutional monarchy within the British Commonwealth of Nations, the government of Malaya was based on parliamentary democracy with a bicameral legislature. Sir Abdul Rahman Ibni al-Marhum, King of the State of Negri Sembilan, was elected by his fellow monarchs to a five-year term as Paramount Ruler. Power in the government rested with Prime Minister Tengku (Prince) Abdul Rahman.

Malaya's Paramount Ruler and his consort.

The most serious problem faced by the new nation's government was the Communist terrorist war that had been raging for nine years. On September 3, a new amnesty offer, good until the end of the year, was extended to the Communists.

SEE ALSO
In the Year 1957

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This page was last updated on 02/10/2017.