Proclamation of Malaysia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Proclamation of Malaysia |
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 Proclamation of Malaysia in Malay written in Jawi script
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| Ratified | 16 September 1963 |
| Location | National Archives of Malaysia |
| Signers | Tunku Abdul Rahman |
| Purpose | To announce the formation of Malaysia |
The Proclamation of Malaysia was a very important announcement made in English and Malay. It officially declared that the Federation of Malaya was joining with Singapore, North Borneo (now Sabah), and Sarawak. Together, they would form a new country called Malaysia. This big event happened on September 16, 1963. The first Prime Minister, Tunku Abdul Rahman, read the proclamation at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur.
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What the Proclamation Said
The Proclamation of Malaysia was like a formal letter. It explained how Malaysia was created. It mentioned that an agreement was made on July 9, 1963. This agreement was between the Federation of Malaya, the United Kingdom, North Borneo, Sarawak, and Singapore. They all agreed to join together.
Key Points of the Announcement
The proclamation stated that the new country would be called "Malaysia." It also said that Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak would no longer be colonies of the United Kingdom. This meant they would become independent parts of Malaysia. A new set of rules, called the Constitution for Malaysia, was created. This Constitution would be the highest law in the new country.
The Constitution was designed to protect the rights of the rulers and the freedom of all people. It aimed to create a peaceful and fair country. Malaysia would be a constitutional monarchy with a parliamentary democracy. This means it would have a king or queen as head of state, but the government would be run by elected representatives. The Proclamation officially declared Malaysia as an independent and democratic state. It would always work to keep peace and fairness among its people and with other countries.
Sarawak's Special Proclamation
Sarawak also had its own special announcement. This was called the Proclamation of Sarawak Independence. It reminded everyone that the goal for Sarawak was always to govern itself. The United Kingdom had always supported this idea.
Sarawak Joins Malaysia
The Sarawakian proclamation mentioned the agreement from July 9, 1963. This agreement allowed Singapore, Sarawak, and North Borneo to join the Federation of Malaya. The new country would be known as Malaysia. New rules (Constitutions) were made for Malaysia and for the states of Sarawak, Sabah, and Singapore. On September 16, 1963, Stephen Kalong Ningkan, who was the Chief Minister of Sarawak, officially announced Sarawak's independence as a state within Malaysia.
Singapore's Special Proclamation
Singapore also made its own Proclamation of Singapore Independence. This announcement stated that every group of people has the right to be free from foreign control. They also have the right to choose their own government.
Singapore Joins Malaysia
In a special vote held on September 1, 1962, the people of Singapore voted to join Malaysia. An agreement was made in London on July 9, 1963. This agreement confirmed that Singapore would join Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak to form Malaysia. Even though there was a slight delay, Singapore officially agreed to join Malaysia on September 16, 1963. Lee Kuan Yew, the Prime Minister of Singapore, announced that Singapore would forever be part of the independent and democratic state of Malaysia. He said it would be based on freedom and fairness, working for the well-being of its people.
Learn More About Malaysia's Formation
- Malaysia Agreement
- Malaysia Act 1963
- Malaysia Bill (1963)
- Proclamation of Singapore
