Page:Report of the Commission of Enquiry North Borneo & Sarawak.pdf/43

 Self-government first would mean that the heirs, when the British leave, would be the Chinese owing to their educational and economic superiority. This in turn could lead to domination by Communism.

(b) The best security for the future of all the former and the present British territories in South-East Asia lies in their getting together to form Malaysia, a strong viable unit which can play a real part in Commonwealth defence.

(c) Only through Malaysia, with a happy multi-racial country like Malaya supplying proof that communalism can be solved, can the racial problems of the Borneo territories also be solved. The extension of special privileges to the native peoples will give them a chance of catching up with their more advanced Chinese brothers. The Chinese too, if they have a real loyalty to the countries of their adoption, will find that their greatest chance of security is in Malaysia.

(d) Unless Malaysia comes about, there may well be a claim to the Borneo territories from elsewhere.

(e) The extension to the Borneo territories of the vigorous work on rural development in Malay will help the natives to find a new spirit to work for themselves and their country.

127. The more important of the safeguards and recommendations which the party would like to see adopted, in addition to the recommendations of the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee, are the following:

(a) Religion A clear statement should be made in the new Constitution that although Islam may be the religion of the Federation, it will not be forced on North Borneo as the religion of the State.

(b) Language Malay is acceptable as the national language, but English should be used as an official language without any time limit. In Kadazan areas, Kadazan should be taught in the schools.

(c) Special privileges The many Kadazans of mixed blood should be eligible for the special privileges to which the indigenous peoples will be entitled if the recommendations of the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee are accepted. Customary rights to land and Kadazan customs, traditions and culture should be fully respected and protected.

(d) Immigration To be under State control.

(e) Representation in Federal Parliament This should be much larger than any of the States in the present Federation of Malaya and much larger than Singapore. In the Senate, North Bomeo should have eight members.