SUMMARY

On 31 August 1957, the Republic of Malaya gained independence from Great Britain. On 16 September 1963, a federative Malaysia was created, consisting of Malaya and the former British colonies Singapore (which left the federation and became independent in 1965), and Sabah and Sarawak, both located on North Borneo.

Since independence, Malaysian politics have been dominated by a coalition of parties called the Barisan Nasional (BN, “National Front”; prior to 1973, it was called the “Alliance Party”, or Parti Perikatan), which has also controlled the Government of Malaysia. The Prime Minister of Malaysia shares executive power with the cabinet and has belonged to the largest party of the BN, the United Malays National Organization (OMNO, Pertubuhan Kebangsaan Melayu Bersatu), since 1957. Tunku Abdul Rahman served as first Prime Minister of Malaysia from 1957 to 1970. As of 2025, Anwar Ibrahim (in office since 2022) served as the 10th Prime Minister. Despite the regular holding of elections, Malaysia has suffered from democratic deficiencies since independence. For example, there have been accusations of electoral manipulation and a blurring of the distinction between the public and private sectors; Malaysia has not achieved democratic consolidation.

In 1975, the Malaysian Armed Forces numbered approximately 76 000; this number had increased to 90 000 in 1981. As of 2025, the Government of Malaysia had access to 113 000 troops.

The newly independent Malaysia inherited a conflict with the communist rebel group CPM from the former British colonial regime. Thus, embroiled in conflict from its inception, the Malaysian government received secondary warring support from Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

The government of Malaysia has been involved in the state-based category of UCDP organized violence.