Why Was Singapore Kicked Out of Malaysia? Explained

🌏Singapore was ejected from Malaysia in 1965, which is a rare occurrence in history as countries usually strive to hold on to land and people.

🔀Political tensions between the Malaysian solidarity convention and the People's Action Party led to Singapore's expulsion.

📜Malaysia operated on a discriminatory system called Malaysian Malaysia, which marginalized non-Malaysians.

💔Singapore's desire for greater autonomy and looser agreements conflicted with Malaysia's central government.

💼Fear of communism and the threat of a Chinese voting bloc influenced the decision to expel Singapore.

Why was Singapore kicked out of Malaysia?

—Singapore was expelled from Malaysia due to political tensions and disagreements between the Malaysian government and the People's Action Party, which represented Singapore's multi-ethnic population.

What was the main reason for Singapore's expulsion?

—The main reason for Singapore's expulsion was the fear of the Malaysian government that Singapore's multi-ethnic party would challenge their authority and disrupt the racial balance.

Was Singapore's expulsion a unilateral decision?

—No, the decision to expel Singapore was not unilateral. There were several months of discussions between both sides, but they ultimately reached a deadlock, and the Malaysian Parliament voted unanimously to expel Singapore.

What were the major issues between Singapore and Malaysia?

—The major issues between Singapore and Malaysia were the discriminatory Malaysian Malaysia system, which marginalized non-Malaysians, and the central government's control over Singapore's autonomy.

Did Singapore benefit from its expulsion and become prosperous?

—Yes, despite the initial difficulties, Singapore became an incredibly wealthy and prosperous nation after its expulsion from Malaysia. It focused on economic growth and development, and today it is a global financial and commercial hub.

00:00In 1965, Singapore was expelled from Malaysia.

01:32Singaporean politics was monopolized by the People's Action Party.

02:52Malaysia operated on a discriminatory system called Malaysian Malaysia.

04:10The central government in Kuala Lumpur sought to control Singapore's autonomy.

07:02The decision to expel Singapore was primarily political and aimed at maintaining the racial balance.

07:53Tensions between the Malaysian solidarity convention and the People's Action Party grew.

09:21Months of discussions between both sides resulted in a deadlock.

10:05On August 9, 1965, Singapore declared independence as an independent nation.