1. Chapter 3: Formation of Malaysia (2)
Malaysian Studies
Chapter 3:
Formation of Malaysia (2)

2. Idea for Malaysia has been brought up by many including:
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)

3. The Idea of Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman Starts voicing it in 1955
Willing of accepting not only Singapore but Brunei, Sabah and Sarawak
Different reactions from many

4. Why Form Malaysia? Forming a country involves big changes
This is especially so in Malaysia’s case
But why form Malaysia?
Several factors led to Tunku’s decision to form Malaysia

5. Why Form Malaysia? Independence through unification
Common understanding for development
Ethnic balance and unity
Collective fight against communism
Economic co-operation
United in international relations

6. Why Form Malaysia? Tunku’s idea was widely accepted because:
The suggestion was concrete and had a clear vision
Positive comments from media in future member countries
Follow up action & surveys helped convinced the people

7. 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

8. Reactions - Singapore Generally well-accepted earlier on
Lee Kuan Yew was most interested with the idea
Later, 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

9. Reactions - Brunei Not unanimously accepted
Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddin was very interested with idea
Opposed by A.M.Azahari (Brunei People’s Party)
A.M.Azahari wants to create North Kalimantan (Sabah+Sarawak+Brunei)

10. Reactions – Sabah & Sarawak
People’s reaction was most encouraging
No strong opposition was shown
Why?
Free from British rule
To combat communism

11. The Formation of Malaysia
People’s reactions are different
Anxiety, 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

12. The Formation of Malaysia
Other actions are also taken
Singapore Referendum and the UN Investigation
Consulting with the British, Philippines and Indonesia
Cobbold Commision

13. The Formation of Malaysia
Once it is proven that the majority wants to form Malaysia, the form and structure of the new nation was determined
Inter-Government Landsdowne Committee
Used the Constitution of the Federation of Malaya as basis for the Constitution of Malaysia

14. Brunei’s Withdrawal 9th July 1963 Brunei 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

15. Reasons for Brunei’s Withdrawal
Number of seats in Legislature & Parliament
Control on oil and other minerals
Monetary autonomy
Brunei’s earlier investments
Method of taxation
Authority in education and welfare
Matters of religion
Citizenship

16. Reasons for Brunei’s Withdrawal
Brunei’s security guarantee
Position of Sultans and Brunei’s status within Malaysia

17. Formation of Malaysia 8 July 1963 Malaysian Agreement signed in London
16 September 1963
Malaysia officially proclaimed

18. External Opposition
Opposition for the formation Malaysia came from Indonesia and Philippines
Why Protest?
Sarawak – part of Indonesia
Sabah – part of Philippines

19. Philippines severed diplomatic ties with Malaya
External Opposition
Philippines severed diplomatic ties with Malaya
Indonesia launched a movement of confrontation against Malaysia which continued until August 1966

20. 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 community
UMNO are also offended by PAP’s action

21. Singapore’s Withdrawal
Effects of the 1st General Elections:
Chinese confused
Malays generally suspicious of Lee Kuan Yew
This caused riots to happen twice in 21/7/1964 and 2/9/1964
Tunku and Lee’s relationship deteriorate

22. Singapore’s Withdrawal
To save the situation, Tunku states Lee’s idea of separation may be the only solution to end the stressful situation
7 August 1965 – Separation agreement signed between Tunku and Lee
9 August 1965 – Parliament passed the Separation Act and Singapore finally left Malaysia

23. 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