assinment

1. THE FORMATION OF MALAYSIA 16TH SEPTEMBER 1963 JV Emily Ken Simer 2. THE MERGING PLANThe idea to unite Malaysia with neighbouring countries was raised several times.Merger of Singapore suggested in 1955 by David Marshall – rejected by Tunku Abdul Rahman.Lee Kuan Yew proposed the idea again in 1959 – unfavorable response 3. THE MERGING PLAN 27th May 1961: Tunku Abdul Rahman suggested the merger of Malaya with: - Singapore - North Borneo: Sabah - Sarawak - Brunei 4. “Free through unification”was the main general factor of the proposal. 5. REASONSPolitical Reasons- To curb communist threat- To boost and accelerate the independence of Brunei, Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak.- To create racial harmony 6. REASONSEconomy- To boost regional economy for people and countriesSocial- To create Malaysian nation new identity based on shared cultural heritage 7. TOWARDS THE FORMATION OF MALAYSIA 8. 1. Harmony Entourage to Sabah and Sarawak (June 1961) Tunku wanted the people to understand the merging concept. Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP), Sarawak People’ Party (SNAP) and Barisan Rakyat Jati Sarawak (BARJASA) expressed opposition. 9. 1. Harmony Entourage to Sabah and Sarawak (June 1961) United National Kadazan Organization (UNKO)’s leader: Donald Stephens publicly rejected the idea. Tunku promised to give considerable autonomy to lead. 10. 2. Visit to Brunei (July 1961) A.M. Azahari and his party not interested in merging idea. Sultan formed special committee to assess public’s opinion. 11. 3. Singapore Conference (August 1961) Should be decided by the people. Singapore hold autonomy powers in education and labour. Central government responsible for defense, internal security. A referendum showed than more than 70% people agreed to merger. 12. 4. Borneo States’ Meeting (November1961) A meeting to discuss Borneo’s status as British colony. To assess the people’s reaction towards the merging idea.

References: List of member states (until 1963) Johor