Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Start of the Emergency, when the Malayan Communist Party (MCP) take to the jungles and begin
fighting a guerrilla war against the British that would last for 12 years.
1951
Sir Henry Gurney, British high commissioner to Malaya, is assassinated by MCP rebels, a terrorist
act that alienates many moderate Chinese from the party.
1953
Formation of Parti Perikatan (Alliance Party) between UMNO, the MCA and MIC. Two years later it
wins 80% of the vote in Malaya's first national elections.
1954
The Department of Aboriginal Affairs Malaysia is set up to protect the Orang Asli from modern en-
croachments and exploitation.
1957
On 31 August
merdeka
(independence) is declared in Malaya; Tunku Abdul Rahman becomes the first
prime minister and the nine sultans agree to take turns as king.
1963
Malaysia comes into being in 1963 with the addition of Singapore and the British Borneo territories
of Sabah and Sarawak; Brunei pulls out at the 11th hour, and Singapore is booted out in 1965.
1969
Following the general election, on 13 March a race riot erupts in KL, killing hundreds. A national
emergency is declared and parliament suspended as KL is put under curfew.
1971
Parliament convenes and the New Economic Policy (NEP) is introduced with the aim of putting 30%
of Malaysia's corporate wealth in the hands of Malays within 20 years.
1974
After the Sultan of Selangor cedes Kuala Lumpur to the state, making it a Federal Territory, KL cit-
izens lose representation in the Selangor State Legislative Assembly.
1976
