The Formation of Malaysia

By Develxx
  • Pre-Colonial Era: Pre-1946

    Malay Peninsula ruled by sultanates; Sabah and Sarawak under Brunei and Sulu influence.
  • Malayan Union Formed

    British formed the Malayan Union to centralize and simplify the administration of British territories but faced strong opposition from the Malay Nationalists.
  • Federation of Malaysia Established

    Replaced Malayan Union. Implication:
    Restored the status of the Malay rulers and laid the foundation for a Malay-led independent nation.
  • Independence of Malaya

    Malaya gained independence from Britain on August 31, 1957, with Tunku Abdul Rahman as its first Prime Minister.
  • Proposal for Malaysia

    Tunku Abdul Rahman proposed the formation of a new federation called Malaysia, which would include Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore, and Brunei.
  • Cobbold Commission

    A survey was conducted in Sabah and Sarawak to assess views regarding joining Malaysia.
  • Malaysia Agreement Signed

    The leaders of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, Sarawak, and the British government signed the Malaysia Agreement, officially approving the formation of Malaysia. Brunei Withdraws.
  • Planned Malaysia Day (Delayed)

    Malaysia was originally planned to be formed on August 31, but the date was delayed because Indonesia and the Philippines strongly opposed the plan.
  • Malaysia is Formed

    Malaya, Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak officially became Malaysia.
  • Tensions with Singapore

    Political and racial tensions increased between the federal government and Singapore’s leaders due to differing views on racial policies, economics, and governance.
  • Singapore Leaves Malaysia

    Ongoing conflicts and irreconcilable differences resulted in Singapore being expelled from Malaysia and becoming an independent country. This marks the final structure of Malaysia as we know it today.