The formation of Malaysia

The federation of Malaysia was formed in 1963 – we look at some of the troubles faced during the birth of a new nation.

In 1961, Tunku (Malaya's first chief minister) proposed the formation of Malaysia, a wider federation which would include the territories of Malaya, Singapore, British North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak and Brunei. In Singapore, opinion was sharply divided over the merits of the plan; Brunei decided in the end to stay away. A commission of Malayan and British members investigated the reaction of the inhabitants of Sabah and Sarawak and found that the majority of people there were in favour of the plan. Therefore, the British and Malayan governments set 31 August 1963 as the date on which Malaysia would be established.

But Indonesia condemned the whole scheme as a neo-colonialist plot, and in January 1963 announced a policy of “Confrontation” against Malaysia. Meanwhile, the Philippines also opposed the creation of Malaysia, claiming that North Borneo belonged to them. Confrontation took the form of armed Indonesian incursions across the borders of Sarawak and North Borneo. Indonesia and the Philippines both repudiated a United Nations survey which confirmed that the Borneo territories wanted to be a part of Malaysia.

Territorial disputes

When the Federation of Malaysia was officially inaugurated on 16 September 1963, Indonesia and the Philippines severed diplomatic ties with Malaysia; Indonesia intensified its attacks along the borders of Sarawak and British North Borneo (now renamed Sabah) and Indonesian troops made landings in Peninsular Malaysia to carry out acts of sabotage. But they were quickly foiled by the security forces.

In 1966, Sukarno was ousted from power and the new Indonesian regime wanted to end confrontation – negotiations settled the conflict. The Philippines also dropped its claim on Sabah and recognised Malaysia.

Meanwhile, political differences had surfaced between Malaysia and Singapore. On 9 August 1965, Singapore left the Federation and became an independent state.

Malaysia's people

When Malaysia was formed, its population stood at 10.4 million – Malays forming 47 percent; Chinese 34 percent; Indians, 9 percent; Dayaks, 4 percent; Kadazans, 2 percent; other indigenous groups, 3 percent and foreign immigrants, 2 percent. Turning this medley of peoples into one nation was not an easy feat. Under colonial rule, economic roles tended to be identified with specific ethnic groups. In particular, the Chinese resented the Malays’ greater political power, while the Malays feared the greater economic strength of the Chinese. The simmering racial tension erupted on 13 May 1969 in the wake of the general elections. Communal riots broke out, mainly in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, killing hundreds of people and destroying a considerable amount of property. As a result, the constitution was suspended and a Department of National Unity was set up to formulate a national ideology and social programmes. Finally, a statement of ideological principles, the Rukunegara, was produced to guide the national polity.

Read more Mayalsia history and see a timeline of decisive dates...