The formation of Malaysia in 1963, following the independence of the Federation of Malaya in 1957, offered Britain a safe, sustainable and honourable exit from rather profitable but awkward colonial possessions.
Tunku Abdul Rahman and his first foreign minister, Tun Dr Ismail Abdul Rahman, must have been acutely aware of the advantages and challenges of taking on this enormous responsibility. It would provide Peninsular Malaya with much-needed gravitas.
Malayan leaders made initial soundings and found a good or reasonable response from key leaders of Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. They proceeded with much care and caution in this highly ambitious enterprise.
Over 60 years later a sense of Malaysianess has certainly taken root. Yet, Malaysians have to be in awe of the sane way in which the leaders of Sabah and Sarawak have managed their diverse communities.
More than in any other part of our nation, the most sophisticated, circumspect, convivial and complete concord exists, without doubt, in Sabah and Sarawak today.
The leaders of the two regions have done exceptionally well in safeguarding the harmony, sense of equilibrium and mutual respect and trust among the various peace-loving communities.
They have fostered a unique blend of identity of family, belonging, inclusiveness and participation. They have created an oasis of harmony, mutual trust and law and order that is reminiscent of the old Malaya.
The values of compassion, humanity and unity are deeply embedded in these regions as they observe the diamond jubilee of their association with Peninsular Malaysia.
A number of courageous and consummate leaders, including Tun Mohammad Fuad Stephens, Datuk Khoo Siak Chiew, Tan Sri Ong Kee Hui, Tan Sri Stephen Yong, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan and Tan Sri Adenan Satem were the most assertive in identifying with the aspirations of the regions.
Tan Sri Stephen Kalong Ningkan's attempt was perhaps a bit ahead of his time and that set back Sarawak's quest for greater autonomy by decades.
Today, there is an urgent need for Putrajaya to strengthen cooperation with both Sabah and Sarawak so that the relationship acquires a more equal, equable, harmonious and honest character.
The question to ask today is whether Peninsular Malaysia has a similar reputation, standing or that same positive feel as the Borneo states.
It has grown economically, is industrialised and nearly 85 per cent of its population live in urban areas, which have modern amenities.
But is the education that's provided of world-class standard?
Socially, the various communities seem to be increasingly living in silos and schoolchildren are not mixing as they used to.
The Peninsular Malaysia-dominated government and public service must be aware of this fracture. Is this not something that has to be addressed?
As we observe the 60th anniversary of Malaysia, it is appropriate to reflect on the relatively advanced, reassuring and ameliorative qualities of Sabah and Sarawak leaders.
On Malaysia Day, let us also pause and remember our nation's founding father, Tunku Abdul Rahman, a god-fearing man who had the magnanimity of character to attract the rarest and most remarkable talent to his promising Malaysia project over six decades ago.
Selamat Hari Malaysia.
* The writer is a former ambassador