Part 6/10:
Tunku Abdul Rahman was willing to grant Singapore extensive autonomy—possibly even full self-rule—on the condition that Singapore remain politically neutral within the Malaysian federation. Specifically, he insisted Singapore stay out of Malaysian politics, fearing that involvement could threaten regional stability or complicate ethnic relations within Peninsular Malaysia. This negotiation was a critical aspect of the broader process of Malaysian federation and independence, with territorial and sovereignty issues at its core.