Alam Melayu (World of Kings and Queens)

The Alam Melayu Coalition (literally meaning "Malay Realm") is an intergovernment organization, composed of four countries, consisting of Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore and the Philippines. It was formed on the basis of a Malay Race or "Indonesian Raya".

The two founding member states are Malaysia and Indonesia, later joined by Singapore and Philippines. It consists of nations that are Malay-speaking, or have a deeply Malay-influenced culture.

History
The concept of a "united Malay race" originated from several nations in the Malay Archipelago. In Indonesia, Sukarno had been opposed to the creation of Malaysia, and had included all of North Borneo into an "Indonesia Raya", meaning "Greater Indonesia".

After Malaysia lost control of the Malay Peninsula, as well as the islands of Lidigan and Sipadan to Indonesia, the two nations signed the Malay Unity Pact, promising friendship and better understanding between the new nations. This formed the basis for the formation of an un-named coalition between Indonesia and Malaysia.

In 1960, it was made official, when Malaysian Prime Minister Tunku Abdul-Rahman and Indonesian President Sukarno announced the formation of the Alam Melayu, or the "Malay realm". Both agreed that Tunku Abdul-Rahman would be the Head of Alam Melayu.

In 1965, Yusof bin Ishak proclaimed himself the Sultan of Singapura as "Sultan Yusuf", and led a mass deporation of Chinese Singaporeans, and in an act of Malay nationalism. That same year, under Sultan Yusuf's leadership, Singapore became the third member of the Alam Melayu. At this point, Sukarno had become the Head.

Non-Malays in Indonesia, particularily Javanese and Balinese were worried that Indonesia's membership would encourage and fuel Malay supremacist groups in the nation. Sukarno assured that all "Pribumis" would be protected, and are part of the Malay Race. Some Islamist Malays were still not pleased with Sukarno. In 1967, this led to a failed coup attempt led by Suharto, who was imprisoned and deported to Malaysia where he spent the rest of his life in exile. In addition, Muslim radicals in Malaysia also accused Indonesians and claimed that Indonesia was not a true Malay nation, leading to a cultural rift between Malaysian Malays, Malay Indonesians and non-natives of both nations.

This had led to the 1969 Bali bombings, in which a Malay militant group took over 93 native Balinese people hostages. This led to a crack-down by the Indonesian Army, in what is known as the Battle of Bali, the Indonesians routed the terrorists. Due to similar incidents in Sumatra, Sultan Yusuf I declared a state of emergency in Singapore, sending naval forces in the waters near Sumatra. Despite Sultan Yusuf I's earlier anti-Chinese pogrom, he promised to protect the remaining Chinese and Tamil Indians in Singapore.

In 1973, Filipino Prime Minister Ferdinand Marcos had sent Alam Melayu head Sukarno a request to grant the Philippines membership. Succeding Malaysian prime minister Tunku Abdul-Razak Hussein, Sukarno and Sultan Yusuf I of Singapore were baffled, and took time to review and study Philippines. They invited Ferdinand Marcos as a guest to their Annual Dinner in 1974, to discuss about the possible membership of the Philippines into the Alam Melayu.

Sultan Yusuf I argued that Filipinos were too Hispanized and westernized in general to become considered a Malay nation. However, Marcos took the three other leaders to Mindanao and Sulu to prove that Malay influence still existed in the Philippines. Sultan Yusuf I was personally impressed to see Malay-speaking people in a country so-influenced by Spanish culture. Sultan Yusuf I had become influenced, and hired many Tausūg women to become entertainers in his Palace.

Marcos assured the three that King of Spain was the "king" of the Philippines, only in-name and nothing more, showing that he had abolished the legitimacy of the Spanish Crown in the country and stated his hatred of the Spanish monarchy.

On January 1, 1975 on New Years Day, Sukarno announced that he has accepted Marcos' request, ths making the Philippines the fourth member. Marcos was granted his honrary kris dagger presented by Sultan Yusuf I.