Malaysia

On August 31, 1957, Malaysia, then known as the Federation of Malaya, gained independence from British colonial rule. The day marked the end of over a century of British influence in the region, which began in the late 18th century. The independence movement had been growing since the end of World War II, and following negotiations between Malayan leaders and the British, full independence was achieved. Tunku Abdul Rahman was appointed as the first Prime Minister of the independent Federation of Malaya. This historic event is celebrated annually as Hari Merdeka, signifying national unity, self-governance, and the beginning of a new era for the Malaysian people.

On September 16, 1963, the Federation of Malaysia was formed, composed of Malaya, North Borneo (now Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore. This union was aimed at combining the various territories to form a larger political and economic unit in Southeast Asia. However, the formation was not without controversy, as there were initial disagreements and opposition from neighboring countries like the Philippines and Indonesia. Notably, Indonesia launched a policy of Konfrontasi (Confrontation) towards Malaysia. The inclusion of Singapore in Malaysia was short-lived, lasting only until 1965, when Singapore became an independent country. This day is commemorated annually as Malaysia Day, celebrating the nation's unity and diversity.

The 1969 Malaysian riots, also known as the 13 May Incident, were a series of violent civil disturbances that broke out in Kuala Lumpur, the national capital. This event was a result of escalating racial tensions between the Malay and Chinese communities following the 1969 general election. The riots led to a tragic loss of life and property, with official reports citing 196 deaths, although unofficial estimates are higher. The violence prompted the government to declare a national state of emergency, and resulted in significant changes to the country's political landscape. The New Economic Policy was introduced as a socio-economic restructuring policy with the aim of addressing the economic disparities among the different ethnic groups in Malaysia.

On July 16, 1981, Mahathir Mohamad was appointed the Prime Minister of Malaysia, a position he held for 22 years until his retirement in 2003. Mahathir's tenure is noted for rapid industrialization, economic growth, as well as significant political and social changes in Malaysia. His policies, often referred to as the 'Look East Policy', focused on adopting Japanese and South Korean economic methods. Mahathir also played a crucial role in modernizing the country's infrastructure, which included big projects such as the North-South Expressway, Kuala Lumpur International Airport, and the Petronas Twin Towers. Despite his achievements, Mahathir's administration was also criticized for perceived authoritarianism.

The Reformasi movement in Malaysia began on September 2, 1998, following the dismissal of Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim by then Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. This event triggered widespread protests and calls for political reform, targeting the existing UMNO-led government. Anwar Ibrahim's subsequent arrest and controversial trial, which many believed to be politically motivated, fueled public dissent. The movement highlighted issues such as corruption, cronyism, and the demand for greater democratic freedoms. Reformasi marked a significant period in Malaysia's political history, leading to increased political activism and the eventual formation of new opposition coalitions that would challenge the ruling government's dominance in future elections.

October 31, 2003, marked the end of Mahathir Mohamad's first tenure as Prime Minister of Malaysia, concluding 22 years in office. His retirement came after significant developments under his leadership which transformed Malaysia into a rapidly industrializing nation with a strong economic foundation. Mahathir was known for his assertive policies and vision, including the promotion of national car companies like Proton and significant investment in infrastructure. While praised for economic achievements, Mahathir's leadership style was often criticized for authoritarian practices, including restrictions on the press and political opponents. His departure from office paved the way for Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to become the new Prime Minister, marking a new chapter in Malaysian politics.

On April 3, 2009, Najib Razak was sworn in as the sixth Prime Minister of Malaysia, succeeding Abdullah Ahmad Badawi. Najib's administration aimed at transforming Malaysia into a high-income nation by 2020, introducing policies under the framework of the 1Malaysia initiative. This was designed to foster national unity and equitable distribution of wealth among its citizens. His tenure was also marked by the 1MDB scandal, involving allegations of embezzlement and corruption which drew international attention and investigations by multiple countries. The scandal significantly impacted Malaysia's political landscape and Najib's popularity, eventually leading to significant political change in the 2018 general election where the Barisan Nasional coalition, led by Najib, lost power for the first time since Malaysia's independence.

On March 8, 2014, Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 vanished while flying from Kuala Lumpur International Airport to Beijing Capital International Airport. The aircraft lost contact with air traffic control less than an hour after takeoff. Despite extensive international efforts, the plane and its 239 passengers and crew have never been found, making it one of the greatest aviation mysteries. Investigations suggested the possibility of deliberate actions leading to the disappearance, although a definitive cause has not been established. The incident had a significant impact on the global aviation industry and led to measures improving real-time aircraft tracking and enhanced communication systems to prevent future occurrences.

On February 29, 2020, Malaysia witnessed a significant political shift when Muhyiddin Yassin was sworn in as the country's eighth Prime Minister following a week-long political crisis. The crisis was triggered when Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad unexpectedly resigned, dissolving the coalition government. Muhyiddin, formerly part of Mahathir's cabinet, formed a new government with support primarily from the opposition parties and some breakaway factions. The political upheaval was marked by questions regarding the legitimacy of the new administration due to the lack of a general election. This period reflects Malaysia's tumultuous political scene marked by strategic alliances and internal power struggles within political parties.

On August 21, 2021, Ismail Sabri Yaakob was appointed as the ninth Prime Minister of Malaysia amidst the global COVID-19 pandemic. His appointment followed the resignation of Muhyiddin Yassin due to political instability and losing majority support in the parliament. Ismail Sabri, a member of the United Malays National Organization (UMNO), formed the government in collaboration with the Perikatan Nasional coalition. His leadership focused on addressing the pandemic's impact on the nation, emphasizing the acceleration of vaccination efforts and economic recovery measures to assist those affected by the extended lockdowns and economic downturn. The political transition occurred without a general election, continuing the pattern of power shifts in liaisons within Malaysia's parliamentary system.