With 1957's independence, a new series of difficult decisions lay ahead of Malaya, the first of which was
to determine exactly what territories would be included in the new state. In 1961, the term "Malaysia" came
into being after Tunku convinced Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak to join Malaya in a federal union (Singapore
later opted out of the union, peacefully, in 1965). Afraid that the union would interfere with his expansionistic
plans, Indonesia's president Sukharno launched attacks against Malaysia in Borneo and on the peninsula, all of
which were unsuccessful.
Another immediate problem was the determination of a national identity. Malaysia was a mix of people from
many races and cultures, and uniting them under a common flag was not an easy enterprise. Because Malays
represented the majority, the constitution gave them permanent spots in the government, made Islam the national
religion, and made Malay the national language; but the Chinese firmly dominated business and trade, and most
Malay were suffering economic hardships. The government, controlled by the United Malay National Organization,
passed the New Economic Policy, which attempted to increase economic opportunity for the Malay by establishing
various quotas in their favor. Unsurprisingly, many Chinese opposed the new arrangement and formed a significant
opposition party. In 1969, after the opposition party won significant seats, riots swept through Kuala Lumpur
and the country was placed in a state of emergency for two years. It was a painful moment in the young nation's
history that most Malaysians prefer to forget.
In the last two decades, Malaysia has undergone tremendous growth and prosperity, and has arguably made
significant progress in race relations. Many attribute the country's success to the dynamic leadership of
Prime Minister Mahathir bin Mohammed, who has led the country since 1981. Now, Malaysia's new prime is Prime
Minister Abdulah Ahmad Badawi.
That is the historical story of Malaysia! I hope you all enjoy reading it.
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