Deconstructing the Narrative: Singapore’s Exit and the Betrayal of MA63

Many people still rely on the simple, flawed narrative that Singapore was just "kicked out" of Malaysia in 1965—as if it were an unwanted problem to be discarded. As someone who cares deeply about factual clarity and systemic fairness over blind faith, I know this common misunderstanding obscures a much more complex and uncomfortable truth.

The foundation of our nation in 1963 was built on a treaty, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which established four equal founding partners: Malaya, Singapore, Sabah (then North Borneo), and Sarawak. This was supposed to be a partnership of equals, not a takeover by one dominant entity.

Yet, just two years later, everything changed. While the Malaysian Parliament publicly voted to remove Singapore, the split was not a simple unilateral expulsion. Behind the scenes, the leaders—Tunku Abdul Rahman of Malaya and Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore—had already signed the Independence of Singapore Agreement 1965. This was a mutual agreement between the two central parties.

Here is where the history becomes a story of injustice and systemic betrayal: This agreement was made only between the federal government (which was effectively dominated by Peninsular Malaysia) and Singapore. Sabah and Sarawak, the other two equal founding partners, were completely excluded from the talks and the decision.

Think about the sheer lack of respect. Sabah and Sarawak were crucial to building Malaysia, yet their voices were silenced on a matter that fundamentally broke the original pact they signed. They should have been formally consulted. They should have had the power to agree or veto, because the Federation’s entire structure—the very premise of their entry—was being dismantled.

This moment in history is a prime example of systemic injustice—a failure to treat equal partners with dignity. It directly explains why Sabah and Sarawak have consistently raised serious concerns about their rights under the Federation. When one founding member can be dismissed without the others' knowledge or consent, what does that say about the true nature of the partnership? It suggests the relationship is one of domination, not equality.

To build a better, more respectful Malaysia—one that truly embodies fairness—we must confront this history. The federal government must stop treating MA63 as a historical footnote and start treating Sabah and Sarawak as true, equal partners. Their right to self-determination and their voices must be central to all major national matters, especially those touching the integrity of our foundation.

Singapore’s exit was a mutual agreement between two powerful parties, but it was a profound act of injustice against Sabah and Sarawak, who were treated as passive spectators to the dismantling of a federation they helped create. Understanding this helps us resist the normalization of historical oppression and push for the equity we need today.

Revived from an original blog entry draft, first published on May 5, 2025.