Malaysia: History

Britain establishes a protectorate over the Malay sultanates of the peninsula after they combine their settlements in Malacca, Penang, and Singapore to form the Colony of Straits Settlements.  

Four Malay states combine to form the Federated Malay States.

Japan invades during World War II.

British-ruled Malayan territories are unified under Federation of Malaya.

The Federation of Malaya becomes independent.

The British colonies of Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore join the Federation of Malaya to form the Federation of Malaysia.

Singapore withdraws from Malaysia, reducing it to 13 states.

The government begins to help Malays by introducing a minimum number of Malays required in business, education, and civil service. 

The Asian financial crisis ends after a decade of impressive economic growth.

Malaysia's economy begins to recede. The Malaysian government bans recruitment of foreign workers to protect unemployment. The government also announces a $16 billion plan to stimulate the economy and keep it away from going into deep recession.

Malaysia cedes two hydrocarbon concession blocks to Brunei in exchange for Brunei's sultan dropping claims to the Limbang corridor, which divides Brunei. 

Anti-government protesters demand the resignation of Prime Minister Najib over alleged links to a corruption scandal.

Mahathir Mohamad defeats Najib Razak, becoming prime minister again as head of a four-party coalition. 

After the collapse of Mahathir Mohamad's coalition, Muhyiddin Yassin forms a government with the UMNO, the former party of Najib Razak.