Major events of this period
The Straits Times, Aug 11, 1965
SINGAPORE had to quit Malaysia because in Tengku Abdul Rahman’s own words: "If I were strong enough and able to exercise complete control of the situation, I might perhaps have delayed action, but I am not."
In a dramatic letter on Saturday to Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, Dr Toh Chin Chye, the Tengku said:
I am writing to tell you that I have given the matter of our break with Singapore my utmost considerations and I find that in the interest of our friendship and the security and peace of Malaysia as a whole, there is absolutely no other way out.
If I were strong enough and able to exercise complete control of the situations I might perhaps have delayed action, but I am not, and so while I am able to counsel tolerance and patience I think the amicable settlement of our differences in this way is the only possible way out. I request you most earnestly to agree.
The letter, with Dr Toh’s reply was related for publication today to give Malaysian leaders of the Malaysian Solidarity Convention a complete picture of the events leading up to the separation.
Dr. Toh, read out the reply, which said:
It is indeed sad that in your view our problems can be solved only by asking Singapore to quit Malaysia and this barely two years from the day Malaysia was inaugurated.
My colleagues and I would prefer that Singapore remain in Malaysia and we felt that there could be other solutions to the present impasse.
However, as you have indicated that the situation does not lend itself to any other workable settlement and as you have impressed upon me that Singapore remaining in Malaysia will lead to a situation you may not able to control, we have no alternative but to be resigned to your wish that Singapore leaves the Federation of Malaysia.
I and my colleagues had rejoiced at the reunification of Singapore with Malaysia in September 1963.
It has come as a blow to us that the peace and security of Malaysia can only be served by the expulsion of Singapore from Malaysia.
If this is the price for peace in Malaya and Singapore, then we must accept it, however agonising our inner feelings may be.
Although lasting unification of Singapore and Malaya has not been achieved this time, nevertheless it is my profound belief that future generations will succeed where we have failed.
In order that my friends and political colleagues in the other States of Malaya and particularly in the Malaysia Solidarity Convention may know my true feelings on this matter. I may have at some future date to tell them of the true position.
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