Malaysia

An agreement was reached on the establishment of a Malaysian federation compromising Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, Brunei and British Borneo. The agreement was signed in London and was to go into effect on September 16th, 1963.

The creation of the Malaysian Federation marked a significant moment in the decolonization process of Southeast Asia. Prior to its formation, the regions of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, Brunei, and British Borneo were under British control.

Malaya had already gained its independence on August 31, 1957, and was looking to unite with the other British territories in the region. This was due to several reasons including enhancing its economic and defensive capabilities, and addressing concerns about the ethnic balance within the country (Malays constituted less than half the population in Malaya, while in the Borneo territories they were a significant majority).

In the early 1960s, negotiations took place between the leaders of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, and British Borneo. Brunei, however, decided not to join the federation due to disagreements over certain terms and a rebellion (the Brunei Revolt) against the proposal in 1962.

The agreement reached was signed in London on July 9th, 1963, and the federation was planned to be officially formed on August 31st, 1963. However, due to opposition from Indonesia and the Philippines and to allow for the United Nations to conduct a survey in Borneo, the establishment of the federation was postponed to September 16th, 1963.

The formation of the federation was not without controversy. There were disagreements over the terms of the federation, especially from Singapore and the Borneo territories. In addition, there were strong oppositions from the indigenous people of Borneo and the political left in Singapore. This led to the expulsion of Singapore from the federation in 1965, and ongoing issues over autonomy and rights in Borneo.

After the establishment, the federation was known as Malaysia. The country has since then grown and developed significantly, becoming one of the most prosperous nations in Southeast Asia. It has maintained a parliamentary system of government, though with strong executive power held by the prime minister, and has undergone numerous political and economic changes.