The Federated Malay States was a group of four Malay states in the Malay Peninsula, formed in 1895. It included Selangor, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang. The British colonial government established this federation to streamline administration and enhance economic development in the region. In 1948, the Federated Malay States were merged with the Unfederated Malay States to form the Malayan Union, which later evolved into the Federation of Malaya. This transition marked a significant step towards Malaysia's independence, which was achieved in 1957.