Guide to Malaysia

General Culture:
History: 

During world war II the British were in the control of the country that was then called Malaya. In 1942 the Japanese invaded and ousted the British. In 1945 when world war II ended the British resumed control of the country. Malaya's independence movement had started under the guidence of Tunku Abdul Rahman and in 1957 Malaya gained independence with Tunku becoming their first prime minister.
Information taken from www.geographia.com/malaysia/history04.htm 

1957 – present day: 

After Malaya gained independence on August 31, 1957 they were presented with a number of new problems. The first issue to be resolved was which territories would be included in the new state. In 1961 the country became known as Malaysia as it is now. This was after prime minister Tunku persuaded Singapore, Sabah and Sarawak to join Malaya in a federal union. In 1965 Singapore opted out of the union as we now see it as an independent country from Malaysia.
Information taken from www.geographia.com/malaysia/history04.htm 

The formation of Malaysia caused opposition from both the Philippines and Indonesia because they both believed they had territorial claims to eastern parts of Malaysia.
Information taken from www.istc.org