Federation of Malaysia

“ The position in Sarawak is further exacerbated by the fact that the present Government in Malaya, which would clearly be an important force in a new Federation of Malaysia, is anti-Communist. In the absence of some project like Malaysia, the Chinese, with their rapidly increasing population and their long start over other races in education, could expect, when independence came, to be in an unassailable position in Sarawak. ”

“ LORD GRANTCHESTER My Lords, like my noble friend Lord Ogmore I would say a word of welcome to the rulers and people of the new Federation of Malaysia, and congratulate Her Majesty's Government, and particularly the noble Marquess, Lord Lansdowne, and the noble Lord, Lord Cobbold, on the completion of a task which has been no easy one. The new Federation brings together peoples whose homes are in a wide and scattered region, and, as we have heard, peoples of varied racial origin and religions. Federations are notoriously difficult to work. ”

“ In regard to defence matters it was decided that, in the event of the formation of the proposed Federation of Malaysia, the existing Defence Agreement between Britain and Malaya should be extended to embrace the other territories concerned. ”

“ The party's attitude towards Malaysia is based on the recommendation in the report of the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee that Sarawak, North Borneo and Brunei should each become States in the present Federation which would include in addition the 11 States in the present Federation of Malaya and the State of Singapore. It recognises that Sarawak is not yet ready for independence on her own but welcomes the opportunity to gain independence as part of a strong Federation, particularly in view of the cultural, economic and historical ties that exist between Sarawak and Malaya. ”

“ However, subject to paragraph 33, no person shall become a citizen of the Federation of Malaysia on the appointed day who has been absent from the territories comprising the Federation of Malaysia for a period of seven years upwards immediately prior to the appointed day. ”

“ About one-third of the population in each territory strongly favours early realisation of Malaysia without too much concern about terms and conditions. Another third, many of them favourable to the Malaysia project, ask, with varying degrees of emphasis, for conditions and safeguards varying in nature and extent: the warmth of support among this category would be markedly influenced by at firm expression or opinion by Governments that the detailed arrangements eventually agreed upon are in the best interests of the territories. ”

“ Thus those who support Malaysia agree that Federation should come quickly and should have a strong Central Government to deal in particular with external relations, defence, internal security and economic development. All native populations agree that they should be given analogous treatment to that of the Malays in Malaya, that land, forestry and agriculture should be controlled by the State Government, and that customary rights and practices should be safeguarded. ”

“ Nobody who has studied this area and who knows this part of the world, with its geographical, racial and religious complications; nobody who appreciates the level of development and education in the various components of Malaysia, will underrate the difficulties which lie ahead. Federation, of course, involves give-and-take on all sides, and Malaysia will prove no exception to this rule. Vast problems of administration will need to be overcome with ingenuity, perseverance and good will. ”

“ Moreover once a firm decision was taken quite a number of the third category would be likely to abandon their opposition and decide to make the best of a doubtful Job. There will remain a hard core, vocal and politically active, which will oppose Malaysia on any terms unless it is preceded by independence and self-government ”

“ If their misgivings and reservations are met, many of those (both Chinese and native) who are now hostile or doubtful might well come round to support. Malaysia.
⁠33. We have found near-unanimous agreement on some points among those who favour Malaysia; on other points, among all the native populations whether or not strong supporters of Malaysia, and on other points again, among all races except in those groups who were not prepared to discuss Malaysia at all. ”

“ Some of the leaders of the political parties are much concerned about this possibility and, after careful thought and despite initial misgivings, have reached the conclusion that the prospect of gaining independence through becoming a partner in a Federation of Malaysia is North Borneo's best hope for the future. In most cases, however, they are insistent on the necessity of obtaining certain assurances and safeguards. ”

“ After all, the advantages to Malaysia would be considerable. A yearly contribution of 40 million dollars to the Federation was agreed. Brunei has already invested in Malayan developments, and could do much more under proper safeguards. Malaya is short of money for development and is at this moment, as we have heard, raising £5 million on the London market. I fear that the failure to attract Brunei into the Federation will involve a heavier financial burden upon this country than would otherwise have been necessary. ”

“ They should also secure the smooth transition of the existing Public Services in the Borneo States into the Federal Public Service, where appropriate on the establishment of Malaysia and preference for local officers for promotion in the Borneo States They must not, however, be allowed 10 impede a constructive partnership within the future Federal Public Service In the longer term. Malaysia will be an unreal creation unless the principle of Malaysianisation is accepted. ”

“ We are confident that, if the response is satisfactory, the ultra-nationalists would realise that Malaysia is not contrary to their convictions and the chauvinists would reconcile themselves to the new structure. ”

“ That the goal or self-government shall always be kept in mind, that the people or Sarawak shall be entrusted in due course with the governance of themselves, and that continuous efforts shall be made to hasten the reaching of this goal by educating them in the obligations, the responsibilities and the privileges of citizenship." The argument was used by those who opposed the Malaysia proposals that it would be inconsistent with the British Government's obligation to agree to a scheme which did not first grant independence to Sarawak. ”

“ Finally, I underline what has been said in earlier Chapters about the gratifying way in which the peoples of the territories came forward to make their views about Malaysia known to the Commission. Apart from a few groups in Sarawak which took a somewhat aggressive attitude and were, as could be clearly recognised, under Communist influence, groups of all races and of every shade of opinion expressed their support, their opposition, or their doubts in a reasoned, thoughtful and constructive way. ”

“ The views expressed to us by these peoples were that they did not want independence and that they relied on the British to continue to provide the help and guidance which they felt they still badly needed. They did not understand the Malaysia Plan and could not avoid the impression that the British, who had ruled them so well, were preparing to desert them. They wanted the British to stay until they were able to look after themselves. ”