I dunno why there is. Tendency to hate people with darker skin! The word Singapura is sanskrit originating from southern india. Indian culture have huge influance in malay/south east asian population. Many malay, thai words uses sanskrit, including raja, agung, perdana menteri, jaya. Many sultans in malay states originate from india.
These is because at one time, south india had a empire ruled by Raja- Raja. But i think eventually, they were overwhelmed by the monggol khan invasion which made north india their base.
That is why initially, malays were buddhist and hindus. They became muslims as india too became muslims. Or maybe due to influence from india and china as zheng He was muslim and islam spread during his voyage in the malay archipelago.
I think I have the answer.Bec most of the poorest countries are in South Asia, Africa and South East Asia .I know it is sad and frustrating to acknowledge this fact but this is mother nature.