On This Day
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Singapore separates from the Federation of Malaysia and gains independence

Singapore, officially the State of Singapore, was one of the 14 states of Malaysia from 16 September 1963 to 9 August 1965.

Singapore, officially the State of Singapore, was one of the 14 states of Malaysia from 16 September 1963 to 9 August 1965. Singapore was previously a British colony, which was originally part of the Straits Settlements. As part of Malaysia, Singapore was the smallest state with a land area of 581.5 km2 (224.5 sq mi) but had the largest population of 1.82 million.

Malaysia was formed on 16 September 1963 through the merger of the Federation of Malaya with the former British colonies of North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak and Singapore. The merger was supported by the British, Malayan and Singaporean leaders as a measure to counter communist influence in Southeast Asia.

Historical Significance

Singapore, officially the State of Singapore, was one of the 14 states of Malaysia from 16 September 1963 to 9 August 1965.

Key People

Tunku Abdul Rahman

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Events Before

  1. First government report by US Surgeon General Luther Terry warning that smoking may be hazardous

    First government report by US Surgeon General Luther Terry warning that smoking may be hazardous

  2. American MLB baseball player Pete Rose (22) weds first wife Karolyn Englehardt; divorce in 1980

    American MLB baseball player Pete Rose (22) weds first wife Karolyn Englehardt; divorce in 1980

  3. "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb", political satire film directed by Stanley Kubric

    "Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb", political satire film directed by Stanley Kubrick, and starring Peter Sellers and George C. Scott, premieres

  4. First appearance of the Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show", live from New York; broadcast draws 73.7 million television v

    First appearance of the Beatles on "The Ed Sullivan Show", live from New York; broadcast draws 73.7 million television viewers

  5. Billy Rose and Joyce Mathews divorce again

    Billy Rose (born William Samuel Rosenberg; September 6, 1899 – February 10, 1966) was an American impresario, theatrical showman, lyricist and columnist.

Events After

  1. 12-day New York City transit worker strike halts subway and bus services

    A 1980 transit strike in New York City halted service on the New York City Transit Authority (a subsidiary of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority) for the first time since 1966.

  2. The Beatles' album "Rubber Soul" goes to #1 and stays there for six weeks, while the single "We Can Work It Out" also ch

    The Beatles' album "Rubber Soul" goes to #1 and stays there for six weeks, while the single "We Can Work It Out" also charts at #1 for three weeks

  3. "Batman", starring Adam West as Batman, Burt Ward as Robin, and Cesar Romero as the Joker, debuts on ABC

    Batman is an American comedy television series based on the DC Comics character of the same name.

  4. Indira Gandhi is elected India's first female prime minister

    Indira Gandhi was an Indian stateswoman who served as the prime minister of India from 1966 to 1977 and again from 1980 until her assassination in 1984.

  5. Quiet Beatle George Harrison (22) weds British model Pattie Boyd (21) at the registry office in Epsom, Surrey, England,

    Quiet Beatle George Harrison (22) weds British model Pattie Boyd (21) at the registry office in Epsom, Surrey, England, Paul serves as best man; divorce in 1977

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Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on August 9, 1965?
Singapore, officially the State of Singapore, was one of the 14 states of Malaysia from 16 September 1963 to 9 August 1965. Singapore was previously a British colony, which was originally part of the Straits Settlements. As part of Malaysia, Singapore was the smallest state with a land area of 581.5 km2 (224.5 sq mi) but had the largest population of 1.82 million.
Why is Singapore separates from the Federation of Malaysia and gains independence significant?
Singapore, officially the State of Singapore, was one of the 14 states of Malaysia from 16 September 1963 to 9 August 1965.
Who was involved in Singapore separates from the Federation of Malaysia and gains independence?
Key figures include Tunku Abdul Rahman.

Explore More

August 9 in HistoryYear 1965