The Federal Constitution of 1957 was written for the Federation of Malaya. Two major amendments in the 1960s transformed the country: the first created Malaysia, and the second reshaped it.
The 1963 amendment — the formation of Malaysia
On 16 September 1963, the Federation of Malaya was enlarged to include Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore, and its name was changed to Malaysia. This was done through amendments to the Federal Constitution based on the Malaysia Agreement of 1963. Before the merger, the Cobbold Commission had studied the views of the people of Sabah and Sarawak, who agreed to join provided certain safeguards were included.
- Special safeguards were written in for Sabah and Sarawak, such as control over immigration and their own state rights.
- The number of states and parliamentary seats was expanded.
- Singapore joined with special financial and autonomy arrangements.
Key idea
1963: Malaya + Sabah + Sarawak + Singapore = Malaysia (16 September 1963). 1965: Singapore separates (9 August 1965), leaving today's Malaysia.
The 1965 amendment — the separation of Singapore
Political and economic differences between the federal government and Singapore's leaders grew sharp. On 9 August 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia and became an independent republic. The Constitution was again amended to remove Singapore, leaving Malaysia with the peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak — the form it takes today.
Remember
- 16 September 1963: Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore joined; the name became Malaysia.
- The Cobbold Commission surveyed opinion in Sabah and Sarawak.
- Special safeguards protected Sabah and Sarawak.
- 9 August 1965: Singapore separated to become an independent nation.