Definition
Malaya refers to the historical territory encompassing present-day Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. It's like the 'original' Malaysia before other regions joined. Malaya was known for its rubber and tin production. Imagine it as the main character in the story of Malaysia's history. Malaya gained independence from British rule in 1957. So, it's the foundation upon which modern Malaysia was built. Think of it as the seed from which a big tree grew.