Founding of Malaysia: 1948-1963

 Throughout 1948-1963, Malaysia was known as Malaya, which consisted of eleven states (Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Malacca, Johore, Pahang, Terengganu, Keletan).  These eleven states were known as the Malayan Union and formed a British colony.  After the Union was split, the states became known as the Federation of Malaya.  The British also had control over Singapore, Sarawak, and British North Borneo.  In 1963 The Federation of Malaya gained independence from the British as well Singapore, Sarawak, and British North Borneo.  The Federation of Malaya, Sarawak, Singapore and the British North Borneo became a knew federation known as Malaysia. On August 9, 1965 Singapore was banished because of ethnic tensions and became an independent republic.

Indonesian-Malaysian War:1963-1966

            When Malaysia formed its own country, Achmed Sukarno, was not ready to accept that Malaysia was its own federation.  Sukarno declared war on Malaysia and Great Britain provided them with aid.  Sukarno’s general in 

chief, brought the Indonesians to attack the communist insurgent, after that he propelled a countrywide expulsion of communists.  The purge killed six top Indonesian generals.  It also killed about 150,000 to 500,000 communists.  Most of the killings were within eight weeks after September 30 of 1965, but many still went on into 1965.  The communists, who were not killed, were imprisoned.  There were about 70,000 communist that were prisoners.  Although the communist takeover failed, it controlled Indonesian military resources and Sukarno was agreeing to offer peace negotiations with Malaysia.  A treaty was created and Sukarno regained his power in Indonesia.

Abdul Rahman: 1903-1990

Abdul Rahman is one of 47 children to the sultan of Setar, who made Malaysia and independent region.  Rahman started his political career when he was elected in 1951 to be head of the United Malay National Organization.  Rahman was a very peaceful man and believed in compromise instead of war.  Rahman made an alliance with China and India to present a combined front against colonialism.  In 1955, his alliance swept the national elections and Britain decided to leave the region.  Rahman became the first prime minister of Malaya in 1957.  When Rahman became leader, he wanted to continue the communist-base rebellion.  Britain and Australia gave aid in order to conquer the communist-base rebellion in 1960.  After that, he wanted to combine Malaya, Singapore, North Borneo, and Sarawak into a new nation called Malaysia.  Malaysia was formed on September 16, 1963.  Rahman also moved on to becoming the prime minister of Malaysia.  After two years, Rahman removed Singapore from Malaysia because of ethnic tensions.  Although Indonesia loathed the new federation, Sukarno and Rahman had a political confrontation, which ended peacefully.

In May of 1969, Malaysia faced a disaster between religious and ethnic groups.  The Malays and Chinese went into street violence, which killed people and caused much damage.  Rahman announced a state of emergency and banned the constitution.  After everything settled down and there was peace, Rahman was accused by the Malays of favoring the Chinese and he decided thirteen years of national leadership by resigning in September of 1970.  After he resigned, he was known as a respected elder states man.  Rahman also wrote a weekly column for the newspapers.  He continued to write papers until he died on December 6, 1990. 

Malaysia's Economy: 1969-Present

Since Malaysia gained independence in 1963, the economy has been steadily developing and focused on manufactured items. Malaysia’s economy prospers due to its geographical proximity to many major trade routes, and being open to globalization and influence by other countries. The economy has always been changing and developing to fit its citizens needs as best as possible. Due to an outbreak in 1969 over a surprising result to an election, A New Economic Policy (NEP) was introduced in 1970. This NEP would end all correlation between race and economic accomplishments, and to eliminate all poverty regardless of race. This was a large goal due to the fact that in 1970 almost half of the population of Peninsular Malaysia was declared poor. The economic policy was primarily successful, as poverty rates fell from approximately 49 percent in 1970 to 17 percent in 1990. Also, the former prime minister of Malaysia, Mahathir bin Mohamad introduced a plan called Wawasan 2020. The goal of this plan was to develop a sufficient and stable economy, as well as a caring, ethical, and progressive society.  But, in 1997, the economy suffered and put Wawasan 2020 on hold as the Asian Financial Crisis struck. The GDP fell immensely in 1997 and 1998, but Malaysia was able to recover efficiently and more quickly than other Asian nations, by making the currency, ringgit, non-convertible.
Since the Asian Financial Crisis, Malaysia’s economy has gotten right on track and is noted for being successful and developing quickly.

A song created about Wawasan 2020, by Akbar Nawab

MAF (Malaysian Armed Force)

The Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) are separated into three branches, Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), and Malaysian Army. The armed forces are responsible for protecting the citizens of Malaysia, stopping national threats, and keeping up with the technology the rest of the world uses in order to follow the requirements of being a member of the United Nations. The minimum age for drafting in the MAF is 18.  Specifically, the RMN protects Malaysia’s borders to ensure that no economic trespassing is going on. Mainly, the MAF does not fight on foreign grounds unless they are sent by the UN to make peace. The MAF fought in the Indonesia-Malaysian war from 1963-1966 right after Malaysia gained independence. An estimated 1.9% of Malaysia’s GDP is spent on the military.

Development and Structure of Government

Mizan Zainal Abidin- Current Yang di-Pertuan Agong

Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy government includes a king (Yang di-Pertuan Agong), prime minister, a senate, House of Representatives, and three branches of government. The federal constitution divides the government into three branches; executive, legislative, and judicial. The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is elected in 5 year terms, and will be elected after serving as a Sultan of a Malay state. In addition to leading Malaysia in practicing Islamic faith, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong has power over the executive branch. The legislative branch of government consists of the Senate with 70 seats, and the House of Representatives with 219 seats. Members of these are also elected in five year terms. The federal government of Malaysia (also known as Parliament) constructs laws that apply to all citizens of Malaysia.
Malaysia adapted its legal system from English common law, and many of the constitutional articles from Indian law. The Malaysian Constitution, established 1957 before Malaysia gained independence, gives basic rights to citizens, including freedoms of speech, religion, and property. Drafting a constitution was the first step Malaysia took towards freedom from Britain rule.
The current ruling party of Malaysia is a combination of 14 parties, and is called the National Front. Most of the parties that make up the National Front are centered around ethnicity and background. 

U.S. - Malaysia Relationship

Current American Secretary of State, Hilary Clinton, with Malaysia's Foreign Minister, YB Datuk Anifah bin Haji Aman 

The United States and Malaysia have a respectful, growing relationship that revolves mainly around the economy, security, and inter-government programs. As of the beginning of 2011, the U.S. has been Malaysia's third largest trading partner, while Malaysia's the 18th largest trading partner of the United States. In 2010, the U.S. was the largest source of new foreign direct investment in Malaysia, and has accumulatively been the largest foreign investor in Malaysia.  American businesses have taken an interest in Malaysia's electronic, manufacturing, oil and gas sectors, and annual two-way trade totals to 33 billion dollars. Last October, the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement was negotiated, and Malaysia joined.

As for government and security matters, the U.S. and Malaysia have been working together to prevent terrorism, and in July 2006, previous Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) with Malaysia during a visit to Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur. Also, both country's militaries have had joint training exercises and visits/exchanges with one another. Not only has there been an exchange between the military, but the governments have also provided exchange programs for professional development and study.

June 3, 2011, U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates meets with Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak during a meeting in Singapore

ASEAN 1967 - Present

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations was established on August 8, 1967, during the Vietnam War. The five originalcountries of Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines were united together by fear of North Vietnam and China. By forming the ASEAN, these countries strive "to promote active collaboration and mutual assistance in matters of common interest in the economic, social, cultural, technical, scientific, and administrative fields", and "strive for peace and prosperity of the region". In later years, the ASEAN accepted the rest of the Southeast Asian countries that met the requirements of the ASEAN. Currently, there are 10 countries that are members of the ASEAN. 

Throughout the years the ASEAN has been in action, the countries have passed treaties and created relations with not only one another, but also non-ASEAN countries, such as the U.S., India, China, and Russia, in order to improve their countries. They established the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) with these countries, and some others, in 1994 to discuss security and "take steps in confidence building". At the December 2001 ASEAN meeting, countries including Australia, New Zealand, India, China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea noted progress in a Free Trade Area. Some countries that are seen as complimentary ASEAN members include India, with a ASEAN-India Partnership for Peace and Prosperity as of 2004, and China, Japan, and the Republic of China, of who were given the special title, ASEAN Plus Three.

Currently, the ASEAN main project is called ASEAN Vision 2020's, whose goal is to prevent drug and human trafficking, terrorism, and other transnational crimes.

The Petronas Towers

The Petronas Towers can be seen in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. It took 7 years to build, and when it was finally done in 1998, it stood the two tallest buildings in the world, each tower standing at a height of 1,482.6 feet above street level. The towers, which are both 88 floors, are connected at the 41st and 42nd floors by a skybridge. The Petronas Twin Towers, also simply called the Petronas Towers or KLCC, is a symbol of modern Malaysia and has been the prime destination for many tourists. At the prime of its creation, the towers were the tallest buildings in the world, passing the Willis Tower, but was later surpassed by Tapei 101 in 2004. Although they are no longer the tallest towers in the world, they are still the tallest twin towers in the world and have the world's highest two-story bridge. It was designed by Argentinian architect, Cesar Pelli, the architecture representing Islamic principles of unity and harmony. The five-tier structure represents the five pillars of Islam: faith and acceptance in Muhammad as God's messenger, daily prayer (5 times a day), concern and giving back to the needy, self-purification through fasting (during Ramadam), and the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca for those who are able to go. The Petronas Towers include a shopping mall, business offices, restaurants, a cinema, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra's concert hall, two Muslim prayer rooms, etc. and a playground for children. 

Culture, Religion, and Holidays

Due to Malaysia's history, there are various different ethnic groups that practice different religious and cultural beliefs. Islam is the state religion, but other religions such as Buddhism, Christianity, etc. are practiced freely. All throughout Malaysia there are places of holy worship, all displaying the different beliefs of each religion. For example, one of the most famous Hindu shrines is the Batu Caves. The Batu Caves are atop a hill in which visitors need to climb 272 steps to reach the top where the cave temples are. It is here that everyday tourists and religious peoples come to admire the Hindu deity, Murugan, and every year, Hindu's come to celebrate Thaipusam, one of the most spectacular Hindu celebrations.

As a result of the various groups in Malaysia, there are many different holidays. Some of the most popularly celebrated are Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, Wesak Day, and Christmas. Chinese New Year goes by the lunar calendar and is celebrated for 15 days, ending on a night of the full moon. Families clean their houses before it begins and invite family and friends over to celebrate. Lion Dance performances can be seen on the streets and children are rewarded with red packets filled with money. Deepavali is the Hindu festival of light and is celebrated in October or November every year. Families celebrating by having a feast and enjoying new clothes. Hari Raya Puasa is an important Muslim holiday that is held for two days after Ramadan. It is celebrated with feasts, new clothing, newly cleaned and decorated houses, and visits from family members. Also, it is then that children formally ask for their parents forgiveness for their misdeeds. Wesak Day, celebrated nationally, is Buddha's birthday. Buddhist's begin getting ready for this day weeks in advance with cultural events and children's parties. On the actual day, people crowd the temples and offer prayers, give alms to the monks, and release caged doves.