Why did the Tunku reject, then accept merger?

Tunku Abdul Rahman's Shifting Stance on Merger

• Initially opposed merger: Tunku Abdul Rahman, leader of the Federation of Malaya, initially opposed merging with Singapore, fearing the large Chinese population in Singapore would threaten Malay rights and privileges.
• Concerns about Chinese influence: Tunku feared the Chinese population in a merged entity would outnumber Malay, making it challenging to uphold Malay rights and privileges, including accepting a Malay Sultan as head of state, Malay as the national language, and Islam as the state religion.
• Communism as a threat: The presence of a large Chinese population in Singapore heightened concerns about communist influence, which Tunku feared could spill over into Malaya.
• Shift towards supporting merger: Tunku later accepted the merger, but only on the condition that it included Singapore, Sabah, and Sarawak.
• Reasons for supporting merger: Tunku's stance shifted due to the potential economic benefits of a larger, more unified nation.
• Economic benefits: By merging with Singapore and Borneo territories, Malaya could leverage Singapore's economic strength and develop Borneo's resources, making Malaya a more prosperous country.
• Fear of Communist Singapore: The success of Ong Eng Guan, a former PAP member, in the Hong Lim by-election as an independent candidate and the perceived rise of the radical communist group within the PAP fueled fears of Singapore becoming a communist state.
• Influence on security: Tunku worried that an independent Singapore would give Malaya no influence on internal security matters, making the region vulnerable to communist influence.
• Control over communism: Tunku believed merging with Singapore would allow Malaya to control communist activity within the region.
• Preventing communist takeover: Tunku feared that a radical, communist-led Singapore would threaten the stability of Malaya.