1963
| Currency Rate to USD | 2.8 |
| GDP Per Capita (USD) | 291.8 |
| Population (millions) | 8.6 |
| Urban Population Percentage | 27.2% |
Formation of Malaysia Era
For everyday folks in Malaya/Malaysia, this era was full of hope, political energy, and uncertainty. The lead-up to Merdeka (Independence) meant rising political organisation, negotiations, debates about citizenship, race, language.
Konfrontasi Era
For many Malaysians, Konfrontasi brought anxiety along the borders, especially in Borneo; small raids, ambushes, sabotage, and political tension impacted daily life.
Cold War
After WWII, the world splits into blocs—capitalist West led by U.S., communist East led by USSR. People everywhere feel the pressure: fear of nuclear annihilation, propaganda, ideological influence in media and education, proxy wars in Asia, Africa and Latin America.
Formation of Malaysia
The formation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963 marked a pivotal moment in Southeast Asian history, uniting the independent Federation of Malaya with the self-governing territories of Singapore, North Borneo (later renamed Sabah), and Sarawak into a single sovereign federation.
National Language Act 1963
The National Language Act 1963 established Malay as the official language of Malaysia, promoting national unity in a multi-ethnic society amid the formation of the federation.
Cameron Highlands Hydroelectric Scheme Established
The Cameron Highlands Hydroelectric Scheme was officially established on 26 June 1963, representing a pivotal infrastructure project in post-independence Malaysia aimed at enhancing energy self-sufficiency and supporting economic diversification through renewable hydroelectric power.
Malaysia Act 1963
The Malaysia Act 1963, enacted by the UK Parliament on 26 July 1963, provided the legal framework for the formation of the Federation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, incorporating the Federation of Malaya with Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore.
Indonesia–Malaysia Confrontation Begins
The Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation, known as Konfrontasi, began in 1963 with Indonesia's opposition to the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, leading to border infiltrations and sabotage in Borneo, marking a tense start to a low-intensity war influenced by Cold War dynamics.
Opening of Muzium Negara
The inauguration of Muzium Negara on 31 August 1963 symbolized Malaysia's post-independence commitment to preserving its diverse cultural and historical heritage, transforming a colonial-era site into a national institution.
Opening of the Malaysian Houses of Parliament 1963
The opening of the Malaysian Houses of Parliament on 21 November 1963 marked a pivotal moment in the young nation's history, symbolizing the consolidation of legislative authority just two months after the formation of the Federation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963.
Launch of Television in Malaysia (1963)
The official launch of Televisyen Malaysia on 28 December 1963 by Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman marked the introduction of television broadcasting in the Federation of Malaysia, serving as a key tool for national unity, education, and information dissemination in the post-independence era.
