How did Singapore gain independence from Malaysia in 1965?

Singapore gained independence from Malaysia on August 9, 1965, due to political friction between the state and central governments. Singapore had joined the Federation of Malaysia in September 1963. However, disagreements, particularly those with ethnic overtones, led to Singapore's secession at the invitation of the Malaysian government. This separation marked Singapore's transition to a sovereign state, with Lee Kuan Yew becoming its first prime minister. The political friction continued to affect relations between Singapore and Malaysia until the mid-1970s.123