How did Malaysia & Burma gain their independence?

Answer 1

Malaya, as a British province, was reformed in 1896 as the Federated Malay States. After World War II, when Japan had conquered the land, it was reformed as the Malayan Union in 1946. Two years later, it was the Federation of Malaya which became independent in 1957. In 1963 it was joined by Singapore (which withdrew in 1965), Sarawak, and Sabah and renamed the Federation of Malaysia. (Ping, 123) Kheng will give a still better idea of the "how".

Burma is a sad tale. I have friends from there. Independence came in 1948, but a civil war started just a few weeks afterward. It hasn't really ended even today. Steinberg will tell of the political distinctions and the early rift with the Karen and others. Tinker's book is old but still good.