Page:Report of the Commission of Enquiry North Borneo & Sarawak.pdf/103

 The following Memorandum, dated 3rd February, 1962, was submitted by the Chairman of the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee on 23rd February, 1962, for the consideration of the Commission of Enquiry.

Introduction

The statement made on the 27th May, 1961, by the Prime Minister of the Federation of Malaya, Y.T.M. Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra al-Haj, on the concept of Malaysia at a Press Luncheon in Singapore sparked off a lively interest in Malaya, Singapore, and the Borneo territories in the idea of Malaysia resulting in all manner of speculations on what plan and form Malaysia might take. While views welcoming the proposal were expressed in the territories concerned, the idea of Malaysia became the target of serious criticisms from certain quarters. In view of the indeterminate way in which the subject, of necessity, had been launched, there was uncertainty in the minds of many of the people, particularly in the Borneo territories. However, one point was clear: few could claim to be apathetic to this vital subject.

Formation of Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee

2. Malaysia was first jointly discussed by the leaders of the Borneo territories, Singapore and the Federation of Malaya at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association regional meeting which was held in Singapore in July 1961. During the Conference, misgivings regarding local interests were expressed and views exchanged. As a result of a preliminary examination, delegations from North Borneo and Sarawak took the initiative to propose the formation of a Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. Their joint statement said inter alia "we have decided to form a Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee consisting of representatives from each of the five territories. The object of the Consultative Committee would be to continue the explanations and discussions initiated at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association and ensure that the impetus given to Malaysia is not slowed down ... What emerged clearly from the conference (C.P.A.) was that the delegates who shape and mould public opinion in their respective territories were convinced both of the necessity and inevitability of Malaysia."

Aims and Objects of M.S.C.C.

3. The aims and objects of the Committee as formulated and agreed upon at its first meeting in Jesselton on the 24th August, 1961, are:
 * (a) To collect and collate views and opinions concerning the creation of Malaysia consisting of Brunei. North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak, Singapore and the Federation of Malaya.
 * (b) To disseminate information on the question of Malaysia.
 * (c) To initiate and encourage discussions on Malaysia; and
 * (d) To foster activities that would promote and expedite the realisation of Malaysia.

Committee Meetings

4. The Committee met four times, namely, in Jesselton on the 21st August, 1961, in Kuching on the 18-20th December, 1961, in Kuala LumpaLumpur [sic] on the 6th-8th January, 1962, and in Singapore on the 1st-3rd February, 1962.

Brunei's Attendance

5. Brunei did not participate at the Jesselton meeting but attended as observers during the Kuching, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore meetings.

Concept of Malaysia Supported

6. At these meetings delegations submitted reports on the progress made by them in their respective territories with regard to explaining and furthering the concept of Malaysia among the people. The Committee, while reiterating its acceptance of and support for the concept of Malaysia, recognised the need for the widest dissemination of all information relating to Malaysia among the peoples of the territories so that all would appreciate the vital necessity of the realisation of Malaysia as soon as possible.