Factors That Contributed to the Formation of Malaysia

The idea unifying the countries with Malaya had been brought up many times. Then, in 1961, Tunku Abdul Rahman revealed his aspiration to form Malaysia. Malaysia was support to be made up of Malaya, Singapore, Brunei, Sarawak and Sabah. There were a few factors that contributed to the formation of Malaysia. The factor was to gain independence through unification. Out of five countries, Malaya was the only one to be free from the British rule after its independence on 31st August 1957. By joining Malaya, the other four countries could gain their independence from the British government because the British had hinted many times that they were ready to grant their independence when proposing the unification of the neighbouring countries with Malaya. Then, the second factor was the understanding for development. This meant creating understanding among five countries and also creating one united nation for the progress of country and the people. The existing potential of any country could be easily developed under a strong central government. Besides that, there was also a need for ethnic balance and unity. This meant a larger federation comprising of five countries would ensure the ethnic balance between the Bumiputera and the non-Bumiputera. The ethnic balance could ensure peace and stability in the region. The fourth factor was for a collective fight against communism. Malaya had exposed to the communist threat even after the emergency. Brunei was also facing communist threat. Communist worried the British because their investment were in South East Asia. By forming Malaysia, five countries would work together collectively to fight against the communist. Other than that, the need of economic cooperation was also one of the factor that contributed to the formation of Malaysia. Each countries had certain resources that could be developed for the benefit of the country. Singapore, for example, had international trade and tourism. Brunei had oil products. Sabah had forestry. Sarawak and Malaya had mineral resources and agricultural products. All these resources would be easily developed under one central government. Finally, the last factor was to be united in international relation. Kuala Lumpur wated to strengthen its pact among regional countries in order to be stronger at the internal and international level. If the five countries could unite together as one government and political system, them their position as a new nation could be stronger in international area. As a conclusion, Malaysia was formed due to many factors. Despite some opposition from the people within the country and outside, Malaysia was finally proclaimed on 16th September 1963.