Before the formation of Malaysia, this nation was once known as Malaya. Foreign powers in Malaya, started off from the invasion of Portuguese led by the famed general, Alfonso de Albuquerque. Then, the arrival of foreign power is followed by Dutch, and later the British. Finally, the Japanese has launched their invasion in early 20th century, and the Japanese occupation was lasted for 3 years and 8 months, before falling back into British's judgement again.

Click here for the history on independence of Malaya and formation of Malaysia.