The Malacca Sultanate established in the early 15th century is generally considered to be the first independent state in the Malay Peninsula. Strategically located along the Straits of Malacca connecting the Pacific and Indian oceans, Malacca has then grown to be one of the busiest trading ports in Asia. Since then Islam from Middle East, Christianity from Europe, Hinduism from India, Buddhism from the East, Taoism from China have converged in the Malay Peninsula giving rise to a uniquely multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-lingual nation that is known as Malaysia today.
The glory of Malacca Sultanate ended with the arrival of Europeans. In 1511, Malacca was conquered by Portugal, followed by Dutch in 1641. In 1786, the Sultan of Kedah leased Penang to the British East India Company as the British Empire established a presence in Malaya. The British then further took control of Singapore (1819) and Malacca (1824) and together with Penang established the Crown Colony of The Straits Settlements.
In the Second World War, the Japanese army invaded and occupied Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore for over three years. After the surrender of Japanese army, British took reign of Malaya until 31 August, 1957 when Malaya gained its independence. On 16 September 1963, Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore joined together to form Malaysia. Singapore withdrew from Malaysia on 9 August 1965.
In 1995, Putrajaya, located 25km south of Kuala Lumpur, was chosen as the new seat of the Federal Government and became Malaysia’s 3rd Federal Territory in 2001 after Kuala Lumpur and Labuan.
Since 1957 as a newly independent nation, Malaysia has been an active participant in international affairs and organizations. Malaysia is a member of the Commonwealth, the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Group (APEC), Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) as well as one of the founding members of the Organization of the Islamic Conference.
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History of Malaysia
