Malaysia Act 1963 facts for kids
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| Long title | An Act to make provision for and in connection with the federation of North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore with the existing States of the Federation of Malaya. |
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| Citation | 1963 Chapter 35 |
| Dates | |
| Royal assent | 31 July 1963 |
| Other legislation | |
| Relates to | British Nationality Act 1981 British Overseas Territories Act 2002 |
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Status: Current legislation
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| Text of statute as originally enacted | |
The Malaysia Act 1963 was a special law passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom. It became official on July 31, 1963. This law was very important because it helped create the country we now know as Malaysia.
This Act allowed several areas to join together. These areas were North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore. They joined with the existing Federation of Malaya. When they all came together, the new country was named Malaysia. This big change happened on September 16, 1963.
Singapore was part of Malaysia for a short time. On August 9, 1965, Singapore left Malaysia. It then became its own independent country.
Contents
What Was the Malaysia Act?
The Malaysia Act was a law passed by the British Parliament. It set out the rules for how different territories would unite. Before this Act, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore were British colonies. A colony is a territory controlled by another country.
This Act was needed to make the new country of Malaysia official. It made sure the joining of these areas was legal. It also helped set up the new government for Malaysia.
How Malaysia Was Formed
The idea of forming Malaysia came from the Malaysia Agreement. This agreement was signed in London on July 9, 1963. It was a promise between the United Kingdom, Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore.
The Malaysia Act 1963 put this agreement into action. It allowed the different states to come together. This joining of states is called a federation. It means they formed one country but kept some local control.
The Federation of Malaya already existed. It was made up of several states. With the new Act, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore joined them. This created a larger, stronger nation called Malaysia.
Singapore's Journey
Singapore was one of the areas that joined Malaysia in 1963. It was a key part of the new country. However, Singapore's time in Malaysia was short.
After about two years, Singapore decided to leave the federation. This happened on August 9, 1965. Singapore then became a fully independent country. It has been independent ever since.
Why Was This Act Important?
The Malaysia Act 1963 was a major step in the history of Southeast Asia. It marked the end of British colonial rule in these areas. It also led to the creation of a new, independent nation.
This Act helped shape the modern map of the region. It showed how countries could gain independence peacefully. It also set the stage for Malaysia's future growth and development.
See also
- Malaysia Agreement
- Constitution of Malaysia
