Reactions within the territories
The proposal to form Malaysia produced mixed reactions at home. In Malaya and among most leaders it was welcomed as a path to a stronger, larger nation. In Sarawak and North Borneo (Sabah), many leaders supported joining, provided their special rights over land, immigration, religion and language were safeguarded — concerns later addressed by the 18-point and 20-point memoranda.
Opposition at home
- In Sarawak, the Sarawak United People's Party (SUPP) was cautious and at first opposed the plan, fearing loss of autonomy.
- In Brunei, the uprising of 1962 led by A.M. Azahari and the Brunei People's Party opposed joining; Brunei eventually stayed out.
- Some groups in Singapore and the Borneo states worried about domination by the peninsula.
Key idea / 要点
At home the idea won broad support once special rights were guaranteed, but Indonesia and the Philippines opposed it — Indonesia through Confrontation, the Philippines through a claim to Sabah.
Reactions of neighbouring countries
Indonesia, under President Sukarno, strongly opposed Malaysia, calling it a form of neo-colonialism and launching the Confrontation (Konfrontasi). The Philippines objected because it claimed Sabah as part of its territory through the old Sulu Sultanate. To ease tension, the three countries met and agreed at the Manila Accord (1963) to a United Nations survey of opinion in Sabah and Sarawak, which confirmed majority support for joining Malaysia.
Remember / 记住
- Home: broad support once special rights were guaranteed; SUPP and the Brunei uprising opposed.
- Indonesia (Sukarno) opposed via Confrontation.
- Philippines claimed Sabah.
- UN survey confirmed majority support in Sabah and Sarawak.