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 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. The remaining third is divided between those who insist on independence before Malaysia is considered and those who would strongly prefer to see British rule continue for some years to come. If the conditions and reservations which they have put forward could be substantially met, the second category referred to above would generally support the proposals. 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: this hard core might amount to near 20 percent. of the population of Sarawak and somewhat less in North Borneo.

145. We have reached a considerable measure of agreement on the appropriate basis for entry of the Borneo territories into a Federation of Malaysia. There is, however, a fundamental divergence on the question of phasing, as to whether the Federation should be formed in one stage or in two stages. This divergence of opinion involves a different approach to a number of subjects, on many of which there may nevertheless be a high degree of unanimity. It has therefore been found convenient to set out the arguments and recommendations on these Subjects separately.

146. There are certain general matters not affected by this divergence of opinion on some of which views are unanimous and on others, to sortie extent, divergent.

147. We have therefore divided this Chapter into four sections:

A.—Recommendaiions on certain general matters.

B.—Recommendations by Sir Anthony Abell and Sir David Watherston.

C.—Recommendations by Dato Wong Pow Nee and Enche Mohammed Ghazali bin Shafie.

D.—Summary of Recommendaiions in Sections B and C, and Comments, by the Chairman.



148. We make the following general recommendations, which are unanimous except where otherwise stated:

(a) A decision of principle about the future of the territories should be taken by Governments as soon as possible.

(b) Many witnesses who appeared before us argued that an entirely new Federal Constitution should be drawn up. But we are satisﬁed that the complication of jettisoning the existing Constitution of the 