1955
| Currency Rate to USD | 3.06 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 240 |
| Population (millions) | 5.92 |
| Nasi Lemak Price | 15 cents |
| Teh Tarik Price | 5 cents |
| Urban Population Percentage | 21% |
Formation of Malaysia Era
For everyday folks in Malaya/Malaysia, this era was full of hope, political energy, and uncertainty. The lead-up to Merdeka (Independence) meant rising political organisation, negotiations, debates about citizenship, race, language.
Malayan Emergency Era
Life during the Emergency meant fear, disruption, and deep divisions. For many rural folks, night-raids, curfews, food scarcity, and forced relocations (into “New Villages”) came with the insurgency.
Cold War
After WWII, the world splits into blocs—capitalist West led by U.S., communist East led by USSR. People everywhere feel the pressure: fear of nuclear annihilation, propaganda, ideological influence in media and education, proxy wars in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Declaration of Sabak Bernam as a White Area in the Malayan Emergency
On January 8, 1955, the district of Sabak Bernam in Selangor was officially declared a 'white area' during the Malayan Emergency, signifying it was cleared of communist insurgent activity and allowing the lifting of emergency restrictions.
Malacca Declared a White Area During the Malayan Emergency
In May 1955, Malacca was declared a 'white area' during the Malayan Emergency, marking the suppression of communist insurgency in the region and the lifting of emergency restrictions, symbolizing progress toward stability and independence.
Malaya wins the Thomas Cup 1955
Malaya defended the Thomas Cup for the third consecutive time in 1955, defeating Denmark 8-1 in the challenge round final held in Singapore, solidifying its dominance in international badminton.
1955 Malayan general election
The 1955 Malayan general election was the first nationwide vote in the Federation of Malaya, resulting in a landslide victory for the Alliance Party, which secured 51 out of 52 seats in the Federal Legislative Council.
Formation of Tunku Abdul Rahman's First Cabinet
The formation of Tunku Abdul Rahman's first cabinet on 2 August 1955 was a landmark event in the Federation of Malaya's path to independence, following the Alliance Party's victory in the first federal elections and establishing the first elected, multiracial government under British oversight.
Formation of the Malayan People's Party
The formation of the Malayan People's Party on 11 November 1955 by Ahmad Boestamam marked a pivotal moment in Malaysia's pre-independence political landscape, emerging as a leftist, nationalist force advocating for social democracy, economic justice, and total independence from British colonial rule.
Baling Talks
The Baling Talks of 1955 were the final major attempt at negotiated peace during the Malayan Emergency, involving discussions between Malayan government leaders and communist representatives in Baling, Kedah, which ultimately failed to resolve the conflict.
