History and politics

Malaysia’s web of maritime trade links has contributed to a history influenced by many cultures.

Hindu and Buddhist cultures derived from India dominated from the 7th to the 14th centuries. In the 14th and 15th centuries Islam was established on the Malaysian Peninsular. Malaysia's sultanates came into existence during this period, with Malacca being one of the most powerful.

Chinese traders and merchants, who were to be part of a large Chinese diaspora, also settled during this period.

European influence on the Malaysian Peninsular started with the capture of Malacca by the Portuguese in 1511. They were followed by the Dutch and the British, with the British finally securing control of what we now call Malaysia by the early 19th century. Under British colonial rule, Indian and Chinese immigrants were brought in to provide labour and assist in running the economy.

British rule was interrupted by the Japanese invasion and occupation during the Second World War. During this period a strong independence movement developed.

The states of the Malaysian Peninsular became independent in 1957, forming the Federation of Malaya. In 1963 they were joined by the former British territories of North Borneo and Singapore, and the country changed its name to Malaysia. About two years later, Singapore left the federation to become an independent state.

Since independence, Malaysia has enjoyed a long period of stable government and sustained economic growth. Like the UK, it has a constitutional monarchy, a prime minister and parliamentary democratic system. Malaysia's nine sultans elect one of their members to act as king for a term of five years. There is an appointed Senate, the upper house, and a House of Representatives, accommodating directly elected members.