The Straits Times, Sept 18, 1963
Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday
Malaysia today severed diplomatic relations with Indonesia and the Philippines.
The decision was taken at an emergency Cabinet meeting this morning.
Thailand has been asked to represent Malaysian interests in both the Maphilindo countries.
Tonight the Indonesian and Philippines embassies here were given a week to withdraw their staff. The notice also applies to their staff in Penang, Jesselton and Singapore.
Tengku Abdul Rahman said he felt Maphilindo had died prematurely -- but not the Association of South-east Asia.
In an earlier statement, he said:
In view of the fact that the Indonesian Government has broken off diplomatic relations with Malaysia without any apparent reason,we have no choice but to do likewise and to recall our Ambassador and the Embassy staff, and at the same time to close down our consulate in Medan.
The fact that the Federation has admitted new states does not in any way change the status and identity of the nation, and therefore no fresh recognition is necessary, nor is it necessary to ask for fresh accredition of diplomatic representatives in this country.
The Government of the Philippines has asked that the status of its embassy in Kuala Lumpur to be reduced to that of a consulate.
This proposal is not acceptable to the Malaysian Government.
There is, therefore, no choice for this Government but to recall its Ambassador.
The Thai Government has been approached to take charge of Malaysian affairs in Indonesia and the Philippines.
The Permanent Secretary of External Affairs, Inche Ghazali Shafie said: "When we heard through the news agencies that neither Indonesia nor the Philippines would 'recognise' Malaysia, we naturally had to seek clarification.
"We have since been informed that Dr. Subandrio (Indonesia Foreign Minister) yesterday told Dato Kamaruddin (Malayan Ambassador in Jakarta) that he had no status in Indonesia from Sept. 16.
Reduced
"The Philippines Foreign Office informed the Malayan Ambassador in Manila, Inche Zaiton Ibrahim, that the Philippines was not prepared to 'recognise Malaysia for the time being' and that the status of the embassies should be reduced to the level of consulates.
"This proposal is not acceptable to the Malaysian Government."
Sorry
In Singapore, The Philippines Consul-General, Mr Juan C.Dionisio, said he was sorry at having to leave the State so suddenly.
The Minister for Culture, Mr S.Rajaratnam, issued this statement late tonight: "Insofar as the Indonesians are taking steps to break Malaysia, or oppose Malaysia, then we welcome any steps by the Central Government to show that the people of Singapore will not accept, supinely, hostile acts against Malaysia, such as the burning down of the Malaysia Embassy.
"The PAP calls upon all true Malaysians to show to foreign anti-Malaysia elements that they stand united in the defence of the integrity and independence of Malaysia.
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