or inclination to devote to public affairs. They were content to leave this to the administration. But things are changing and the pace is quickening. The proposal for the inclusion of the country in the Federation of Malaysia not only aroused interest and concern but stimulated political activity.
These proposals, as we have heard, are not altogether new. I recollect that even in 1947 consideration was given as to what steps could be taken to bring the three Borneo territories into closer association with Singapore and Malaya, with which they already had special relationships. There had, in fact, always been close links with the mainland territories under British administration. Labuan, for instance, which was incorporated in North Borneo in 1947, had been a dependency of Malaya before the war. When, in May, 1961, Tunku Abdul Rahman, the Prime Minister of Malaya, publicly put forward a proposal for a Federation of Malayasia to include the Borneo territories, the initial reaction was one of shock tempered with suspicion and anxiety.
In these days when we are acceding to popular demands for granting our colonies independence, Her Majesty's Government must have found themselves in a dilemma with regard to the Borneo territories, because the normal democratic ways of ascertaining the views of the population were not available. The fact that there were no elections made it difficult to appraise the true feelings of the people. It was for this reason that Her Majesty's Government appointed the Commission under the chairmanship of the noble Lord, Lord Cobbold, to ascertain the views of the people of North Borneo and Sarawak on this question and, in the light of that assessment, to make recommendations. This was a somewhat unusual method to employ, but probably the best in the circumstances. The assessment of the Commission was that about two-thirds of the population were either strongly in favour of the proposal or, at least, not against it, provided that there were adequate safeguards.
Despite some doubts, I find myself able to support the conclusions of the Cobbold Commission. I am convinced that the idea of a Federation of Greater Malaya is ultimately the right one, but it is a question of timing. The majority of the people would have preferred to see this step deferred for a period of ten years or so; but if we let this opportunity go by default, it might not recur. It is therefore expedient that we should abdicate our responsibilities now. I am convinced that, in the long run, it will be in the best interests of the people of North Borneo. It has been made clear to the people that they cannot continue to be under British rule for ever, and I believe that they are willing to accept our advice that this proposal will be beneficial for their future welfare.
The agreement between Her Majesty's Government and the Governments of the component parts of the proposed Federation has been most carefully drafted, and includes reasonable safeguards. I have already mentioned that the people have certain fears, especially about the danger of being swamped with immigrants and exploited by outsiders. They also have anxieties about religion, about which we have heard. Nearly one-third of the people of North Borneo practise the Moslem faith, while some 17 per cent. are Christians. The remainder are either pagans or the followers of other religions. Under British rule, they have enjoyed religious freedom, and they naturally want this to continue. In supporting the policy of Her Majesty's Government, I should like to express my best wishes to the people of Sabah, as the new State of North Borneo is to be called, for whom I have a sincere and lasting regard. I am sure that, with their great qualities and good sense, they can make a great success of their future.
3.7 p.m.
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. Above all, the Government of a Federation is called upon to exercise restraint and to show tolerance to its constituent parts. I should like to join in wishing the new Federation well, and a long and happy existence. Although I regret that I have not yet
