How much do you know about Malaysian history? Many, particularly those from Peninsular Malaysia, focus on 31st August 1957 as independance day, but forget the formation of Malaysia, the nation. Here, we recall the events leading up to nationhood, with a reminder that this was formed as a country for all Malaysians.

27 May 1961

1st Malayan PM, Tunku Abdul  Rahman discussed about bringing Singapore, North Borneo (Sabah), Brunei and Sarawak and Malaya together in political and economic  co-operation in a journalist briefing in Singapore.

Aug 1961.

Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Council formed and headed by Donald Stephens (Sabahan) to study the Malaysia Plan.

16 January 1962

Cobbold Commission of enquiry formed.

21 June 1962

Report of Cobbold Commission submitted to UK parliament.

1 September 1962

Singapore held referendum to decide its participation in Malaysia. 71% voted “Yes” to PAP’s proposal.

8 July 1963

Brunei  opts out of Malaysia merger.

9 July 1963

Malaysia Agreement signed in London by Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo and Sarawak  representatives.

20 August 1963

Malaysia Bill passed in Malayan parliament.

16 September 1963

Proclamation of Malaysia made simultaneously in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

20 September 1963

Singapore GE held. Malaya’s Alliance’s parties lost all seats contested.

April 1964

1st Malaysia GE held. PAP won 1 Malaya parliamentary seats.

1964

Racial riots breaks out in Singapore in  July and September

5 March 1965

Lee Kuan Yew promulgates the Malaysian Malaysia concept to oppose the Alliance.

1965

Growing tension from the UMNO’s ultras and MCA on one side and Singapore’s PAP on another puts Tunku under pressure.

9 August 1965

Malaysia parliament expels Singapore from the Federation.

-The Rocket