What was the British ultimate aim behind assimilating FMS and UMS?

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The British Aim of Assimilating Federated and Unfederated Malay States

The British administration's ultimate objective in seeking to assimilate the Federated Malay States (FMS) and the Unfederated Malay States (UMS) was to pave the way for the eventual self-government of the territories as a unified entity. This assimilation was viewed as a crucial and necessary precursor to achieving this broader political goal for the entirety of Malaya.
Administrative Differences Facilitated Assimilation Hopes

Distinct administrative structures between the FMS and UMS provided the British with a basis for their assimilation aspirations. The FMS, comprising Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, and Pahang, operated under agreements from 1874 onwards where Rulers accepted the advice of British Residents on general administration, excluding matters of Islam and Malay custom. In contrast, the UMS, including Johore, Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Perlis, had British Advisers with no executive powers, leaving executive authority with local State Governments. This divergence in direct British control and advisory roles offered a framework for potential consolidation.
Fostering a Unified Territory Towards Self-Rule

The differing administrative arrangements between the FMS and UMS were seen by the British as opportunities to foster a more cohesive political landscape. The hope was that by bringing these distinct administrative systems closer, or even merging them, a foundation could be laid for a larger federation. This larger federation was considered a vital step in the long-term strategy, aiming for a collective self-governance for all Malayan territories.
The Governor as a Centralising Authority

The Governor of the Straits Settlements played a significant role in the overarching British administration across Malaya, acting as both Governor and High Commissioner for the Malay States. This dual capacity allowed for a degree of centralised policy and administration. The Governor exercised direct control over the Straits Settlements, managed the FMS through Residents, and oversaw the UMS via British Advisers. This existing structure of a single coordinating authority implicitly supported the British objective of eventual assimilation and unified governance.

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What was the British ultimate aim behind assimilating FMS and UMS?

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