The Malaysia Agreement
The legal foundation of the new nation was the Malaysia Agreement, signed in London on 9 July 1963. The signatories were Britain, the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and North Borneo (Sabah). The agreement set out how the territories would join, the terms of union, and the special safeguards for the Borneo states contained in the 20-point memorandum for Sabah and the 18-point memorandum for Sarawak.
Safeguards for the Borneo states
- Control over immigration into Sabah and Sarawak.
- Protection of native land rights and customs.
- Recognition of the position of religion and the use of English and local languages.
- Guarantees on state finance and the civil service.
Key idea / 要点
Malaysia Agreement signed 9 July 1963 (London) → Malaysia declared 16 September 1963. The Borneo states were protected by the 20-point (Sabah) and 18-point (Sarawak) memoranda.
The declaration of Malaysia
The formation was first planned for 31 August 1963, but it was postponed so that a United Nations mission could confirm the wishes of the people of Sabah and Sarawak. Once support was confirmed, Malaysia was officially declared on 16 September 1963. Tunku Abdul Rahman proclaimed the birth of the new nation, and Malaysia Day is now celebrated on this date each year. The new federation then had fourteen states, until Singapore left in 1965.
Remember / 记住
- Malaysia Agreement: 9 July 1963, London.
- Signatories: Britain, Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, North Borneo.
- Safeguards: 20-point (Sabah), 18-point (Sarawak).
- Malaysia declared 16 September 1963 — now Malaysia Day.