Malaysia: The Road to Independence

The period 1955-1957 marked an important transition in Malaya from colonial servitude to political independence. It was also a time in which the newly elected Alliance government, though not completely in control of the reigns of power, began to grapple with the problems of nation-building in a multi-racial society.

This book contains a selection of key speeches by Tunku (Malaysia's founding father) on the policies and problems of the first popularly elected government in Malayan history. Included in this book are speeches the Tunku gave in his capacity as Chief Minister on a variety of topics such as the Baling Talks with the communist insurgents, economic development, Malay culture and the independence negotiations with the British government. A short introduction at the beginning of the book provides readers with relevant background information.