Page:Report of the Commission of Enquiry North Borneo & Sarawak.pdf/44

 (f) Taxation

Changes to bring about parity with the other States in Malaysia should be made gradually.

(g) British officers

Everything possible should be done to encourage British officers to remain in North Borneo after Malaysia, until the indigenous peoples are qualified to take their place.


 * United Sabah National Organisation (U.S.N.O.)

128. This party is open to all races but depends for its strength on the Muslim community. One estimate of the membership of the party was 21,000 but the party headquarters claimed a membership of 60,000.

129. The party is a strong supporter of Malaysia particularly as a defence against Communist encroachment. The following points were emphasised:

(i) The national language should be Malay. (ii) The Head of State and Chief Minister should be natives. (iii) North Borneo should be known officially as Sabah" after the creation of the Federation of Malaysia.

130. The party supports the recommendations made by the M.S.C.C.

131. Other points made by U.S.N.O. groups in various parts of the country were: The protection of the British should not be withdrawn and British officers should remain until local men can be trained to take their places. The State religion should be Islam and more Islamic schools were required. There should be no change in the Constitution of the Federation unless with the overwhelming agreement of the people. More vigorous plans for the education of natives and for rural development were required. The special position of Malays in the Constitution of the Federation of Malaya should be accorded to the natives of North Borneo in the Constitution of Malaysia.


 * The National Pasok Momogun Organisation or National True Sons of the Soil Association

132. This party, predominantly composed of non-Muslim Dusuns, was formed in Keningau in opposition to U.N.K.O. It has an estimated membership of 10,600. The party draws most of its upport from the Keningau and Tenom areas. It is not possible to give any accurate figures of membership, particularly since a struggle for the leadership of the party has led to a splinter group being formed. There appeared to us to be little difference in the point of view put forward by the two leaders.

133. The party's attitude to Malaysia is that while appreciating the merits of the concept, they feel that the people of North Borneo are politically too immature to make a proper contribution to such a Federation. They ask that the British Government should continue the process of education of the people and development of the country. When North Borneo has gained its independence it will be in a better position to make a decision on this matter. In the meantime the British Government should concentrate the resources of the