Our very first election

EVEN before Malaya gained its independence from the British, the first ever election was held. On 27th July 1955, about 1,280,000 people, a great number from the rural areas, came out to vote at the Federal Election to the Legislative Council. A total of 52 constituencies were contested for. The Federal Legislative Council was the legislative body of the Federation of Malaya and the predecessor of the Malaysian Parliament. It was formed in 1948 after the Malayan Union was abolished and the Federation was formed as part of Britain's promise to grant self-rule to Malaya. Prior to the Federal Election, members of the council were appointed by the British High Commissioner to Malaya. The 1955…