1963: Brunei
The last-minute decision of Brunei's ruler, Sultan Sir Omar Ali Saifuddin, not to join the federation of Malaysia brought Brunei considerable attention. During 1962 the sultan had expressed his intention to merge his country with Malaysia. Even after a quickly suppressed revolt in December, he had declared that he was determined to promote representative institutions and to join Malaysia, provided the move would benefit Brunei. However, his somewhat precarious political position, resulting from strong opposition, made him very cautious. At the end of January negotiations were begun with the Malayan government over the conditions under which Brunei would become a member of the proposed federation. On February 7 the sultan reaffirmed that Brunei would join Malaysia. He even participated in the lengthy discussions in London that led up to the agreement for Malaysia on July 9. But at the very last moment he decided against bringing his country into the federation. The sultan explained that the detailed terms agreed upon with Malaya in March to safeguard his and his people's special position were not being fulfilled. The sultan had, it seems, expected to become the new federation's supreme (constitutional) ruler. This was refused, and he complained that the precedence and seniority of his ancient title had not been respected. Second, the financial contribution of Brunei to the federation remained controversial. The sultan appeared determined to retain a larger amount from his state's considerable revenue surplus for development purposes than the federation was willing to grant. The British government, in particular, was disappointed with this decision but, considering this matter within Brunei's jurisdiction, merely expressed the hope that Brunei would ultimately join when the advantages of doing so became clearer and when its people realized that Malaysia was neither weak nor an example of neocolonialism. Brunei's aloofness left intact Great Britain's protectorate agreement, and to protect the state Britain increased troops in both Singapore and Brunei during 1963.