Malaysian Studies

Chapter 3:Formation of Malaysia (2)

The Idea of Malaysia

Idea for Malaysia has been brought up by many including:

David Marshall (1955)Ghazali Shafie (1954)

Tan Cheng Lock (1955)Lee Kuan Yew (1959)

The Idea of Malaysia

Tunku Abdul RahmanStarts voicing it in 1955

Willing of accepting not only Singapore but Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak

Different reactions from many

Why Form Malaysia?

Forming a country involves big changesThis is especially so in Malaysia’s case

But why form Malaysia?Several factors led to Tunku’s decision to

form Malaysia

Why Form Malaysia?

Independence through unificationCommon understanding for development

Ethnic balance and unityCollective fight against communism

Economic co-operationUnited in international relations

Why Form Malaysia?

Tunku’s idea was widely accepted because:The suggestion was concrete and had a clear

visionPositive comments from media in future

member countriesFollow up action & surveys helped convinced

the people

Reactions - Malaya

Early 1950s – not really keen to include Singapore

However, with Sabah & Sarawak joining, the idea for unification became popular

PAS opposed the idea claiming Malays would lose out esp. in economy

MALPHILINDO

Reactions - Singapore

Generally well-accepted earlier onLee Kuan Yew was most interested with the

ideaLater, United People’s Party objected the idea

and fought the People’s Action Party regarding the idea

However, this made Tunku and Lee’s determination rise to get the idea realized

Reactions - Brunei

Not unanimously acceptedSultan Omar Ali Saifuddin was very interested

with ideaOpposed by A.M.Azahari (Brunei People’s

Party)A.M.Azahari wants to create North Kalimantan

(Sabah+Sarawak+Brunei)

Reactions – Sabah & Sarawak

People’s reaction was most encouragingNo strong opposition was shown

Why?Free from British rule

To combat communism

The Formation of Malaysia

People’s reactions are differentAnxiety, uncertainty and doubts about the

new country are questions people have inside their minds

Therefore, Kuala Lumpur created a specially-formed Committee to verify and answer the

people’s questions

The Formation of Malaysia

Other actions are also takenSingapore Referendum and the UN

InvestigationConsulting with the British, Philippines and

IndonesiaCobbold Commision

The Formation of Malaysia

Once it is proven that the majority wants to form Malaysia, the form and structure of the

new nation was determinedInter-Government Landsdowne CommitteeUsed the Constitution of the Federation of

Malaya as basis for the Constitution of Malaysia

Brunei’s Withdrawal

9th July 1963Brunei pulled out of the Federation

The Federation was completely taken by surprise by it

Some “give and take” issues are said to be the cause of the decision

Reasons for Brunei’s Withdrawal

Number of seats in Legislature & ParliamentControl on oil and other minerals

Monetary autonomyBrunei’s earlier investments

Method of taxationAuthority in education and welfare

Matters of religionCitizenship

Reasons for Brunei’s Withdrawal

Brunei’s security guaranteePosition of Sultans and Brunei’s status within

Malaysia

Formation of Malaysia

8 July 1963Malaysian Agreement signed in London

16 September 1963Malaysia officially proclaimed

External Opposition

Opposition for the formation Malaysia came from Indonesia and Philippines

Why Protest?Sarawak – part of IndonesiaSabah – part of Philippines

External Opposition

Philippines severed diplomatic ties with Malaya

Indonesia launched a movement of confrontation against Malaysia which

continued until August 1966

Singapore’s Withdrawal

Singapore-Kuala Lumpur’s relation starts to deteriorate after the first Malaysian general

Election (1964)PAP leaders belittled MCA

MCA sees it as PAP’s intention to take over MCA’s role of protecting the interests of the

Chinese communityUMNO are also offended by PAP’s action

Singapore’s Withdrawal

Effects of the 1st General Elections:Chinese confused

Malays generally suspicious of Lee Kuan YewThis caused riots to happen twice in

21/7/1964 and 2/9/1964Tunku and Lee’s relationship deteriorate

Singapore’s Withdrawal

To save the situation, Tunku states Lee’s idea of separation may be the only solution to end

the stressful situation7 August 1965 – Separation agreement

signed between Tunku and Lee9 August 1965 – Parliament passed the Separation Act and Singapore finally left

Malaysia

Conclusion

The history of formation of Malaysia is not long but full of interesting events

Issues such as interest of future member countries, internal problems, cooperation and

conflict are some of the lessons we learnt from the formation of this glorious nation