The Malaya Independence Day: THE CONSTRUCTION OF MALAYA

Image above explains the history

of formation of Malaysia in brief

On 27 May 1961 at a hotel in Singapore, Tunku Abdul Rahman recommended a plan to form Malaysia in his talk which will consist of the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Brunei, Sarawak and Sabah. He also declares that everyone agreed to form Malaysia in Singapore.

In addition, he believes that many problems will be solved if the 5 colonials of British combine together. However there are some parties who are rejected the formation of Malaya because of the several reasons.

• Afraid that outsiders would have the chance to exploit the natural
resources in Sabah and Sarawak for their own financial and job support.
• Afraid that the politics of Malaya will force the native people of Sabah and Sarawak to adapt to Islam religion.

The reaction from the Singapore is, Lee Kuan yew welcomed the idea. However, there was a strong opposition from left wing leaders (United People’s Party (UPP). Brunei preferred to achieve own independence before joining Malaysia. Sabah and Sarawak received encouraging responses from the people. Malaya (Tanah Melayu) support for merging was generally acceptable.

During February-April 1962, the Commission have gathered 4000 people and received 2200 memorandum from a variety of parties which were made of political parties, members of government and visitor assembly, religious leaders, workers union and the public for their opinions. In general, more than 70 percent of the meeting agreed with the idea and on 21 June 1962, the report was sent to the British government.

The public statement was finished at Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur. The announcement of Malaysia’s formation was read in front of the Yang Di Pertuan Agong, the Council of Rulers, and Governors of Penang, Malacca, Singapore and Sabah. Leaders from three new states were also present, En. Lee Kuan Yew, Mr. DonaldStephens and Mr. Stephen Kalong Ningkan.

Though, Singapore’s ties lasted no more than for two years before it had to separate in 1965. The formation of Malaysia in 1963 was one of the greatest achievements by Tunku Abdul Rahman. Commonly known as “Tunku”, he is remembered as the “Father of Independence”. The national flag was raised for the first time in all 13 states and two federal territories of the new nation on 16 September 1963. However on 9 August 1965, Singapore officially announced its separation from Malaysia. Currently, Malaysia consists of 13 states (11 peninsular states and two from East Malaysia) and three Federal Territories.