The Politics of Federalism: Syed Kechik in East Malaysia

When Malaysia was formed in 1963 to amalgamate the independent Federation of Malaya with the British colonies of Singapore, Sarawak, and Sabah, there was more optimism about joint prospects than understanding of the problems involved in forging a new state and nation.

In late 1965, a Malay lawyer by the name of Syed Kechik was instructed by Kuala Lumpurs top leadership to go to Sabah to do what he could for the cause of federalism.