'The Kesatuan Melayu Muda (KMM) was the first Malay political party established in 1938 and led by Ibrahim Yaacob. KMM is often regarded as the precursor of the strand in modern Malay politics referred to as "The Malay Left".
Historians generally agree that modern Malay politics 'flowed' into two distinct strands - the left and the right - since the 1930s. The two strands have been distinguished by their respective affinities or aversion to leftist ideologies and tendencies; the educational backgrounds of their leaders; and the degree of penetration of Indonesian influence.
This study contextualises the Malay Left's origins within changing Malay social structures in the colonial milieu of the 1930s, in particular the rise of a new elite socially distinct from the traditional aristocracy. It is argued that the new elite were becoming increasingly dissatisfied and impatient with traditional leadership in the "struggle" against colonial rule and the attendant establishment of a plural society.' - from back cover.

Includes a bibliography, an index and a note on the author.