the formation of malaysia

as the merdeka day is coming nearer, let us look back at some history that lead malaysia to independence.
the federation of malaysia, comprising state of malaya,north borneo, sarawak and singapore was to be oficially declared on 31st august 1963 on the 6th anniversary of malayan independence. indonesian and philippine oppose the formation of malaysia, so the date was postponed to 16 september 1963.indonesian opposition later escalated to military conflict. indonesia considered malaysia as a new colonization on the provinces of sarawak and sabah in the island of borneo which they laid claim on. a referendum was organized to assure indonesia that malaysia is not a form of neo-colonialism. people of sabah and sarawak give support for malaysia and cleared the way for the final proclamation of malaysia. the formation of the federation of malaysia was anounced on 16 september 1963, but the independence day celebration is still held on august 31