In a relatively brief period, the attainment of Malayan independence
on 31 August 1957 was followed by the formation of the
administratively untidy grouping of the Straits Settlements (Penang–Malacca–Singapore),
the Federated and Unfederated Malay
States and the diverse communities therein. They came together in
a moment of nationhood. The new nation’s leaders had close links
with the old Malay aristocratic elites, or had been nurtured by the
British for leadership roles. The arrangements they made between
themselves were designed to fulfil the British demand for racial harmony
and
took
the
form
of
power
sharing
in
the
new
parliament.
However,
as Hooker notes, true multiracialism was not achieved.
None of the Alliance partners (UMNO and its alliances from the
non-Malay-based-political parties) consistently represented the
interests of their weaker constituents (Hooker 2003:207-8).