UN General Assembly
1965

3. As is well known, Singapore became a Member of the United Nations on 21 September 1965. That day was a proud one for Singapore. Previously it was part of the Federation of Malaysia — as from 15 September 1963 — a nation which was developing fast both economically and politically. Malaysia is a United Nations in miniature, as there are people of many races and religions living in peace side by side. It is a multiracial society. We have Malays, Chinese, Indians, Pakistanis, Eurasians, Dusuns, LandDayaks, Muruts, Bajaus, and many other races. The rate of development of all the constituent States of Malaysia is not the same. For example, Singapore was advancing at a much faster rate than the rest of Malaysia. And because of this, among other reasons, tensions soon built up, and rather than have a show-down with all the possibilities of upheaval and devastation our leaders decided that the best way was for Singapore to become a sovereign and independent State.