Indonesia–Malaysia confrontation become self-governing in 1959). In May 1961, the UK and Malayan governments proposed a larger federation called Malaysia, encompassing the states of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak, Brunei, and Singapore. Initially, Indonesia was mildly supportive of the proposed Malaysia, although the PKI (Partai Komunis Indonesia — Indonesian Communist Party) was strongly opposed to it. In Brunei, it was unclear whether the Sultan Omar Ali Saifuddien III would support Brunei joining the proposed Malaysian state because of the implied reduction of his political office, and Brunei's oil revenues ensured Brunei's financial viability were it to choose independence. Furthermore, a Brunei politician, Dr.
Brunei–Indonesia relations defence, transnational crimes, education, youth, culture and people-to-people contacts. Both Brunei and Indonesia have many common characteristic traits, these include common frames of reference in history, culture and religion. Their national languages; Indonesian language and Malay language are closely related. The majority of the population of both nations were of Austronesian ancestry or of the Malay race, with significant Malay culture shared among them. Both nations are Muslim majority countries, members of ASEAN and APEC, and also members of the Non-aligned Movement, and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Relations between Indonesia and Brunei has been established since 14th century or perhaps