Sundang accuses govt of pro-Malaysia
Published on: Thursday, December 13, 1962
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This brought a reply from Datu Mustapha bin Datu Harun which accused Sundang of being on the side of the rebels.
Throughout the whole of Mr Sundang’s speech there was not one word said in condemnation of the actions by Azahari and the Party Rakyat.
Mr Sundang’ said:-
“In view of the alarming situation in Brunei, and the very real danger of further outbursts in other parts of the Borneo territories, I feel that, on behalf of my people and the political stability ‘of this country, I should like to remind the government that in this modern world, we cannot afford to ignore the wishes of the people.
“As I have often said the Malaysia concept is good, but to bring about a form which could meet the demand of the five territories is the most difficult problem of our time.
“It is difficult because the aspiration of the people is self-government and nationhood which is the political fashion today. To bridge the gap is by no means an easy situation and by assuming away our problems is to lead the Borneo territories into a very gloomy political future indeed.
“I regret to say that up to now it is apparent that far too much attention has been paid to maintain a false Constitutional respectability in the Malaysia issue without much regard to the wishes of the people.
“This is the most dangerous part of it and I do hope that the present situation in Brunei will serve as a warning to us (boos).
“I fear that we are now approaching a climax of a different kind, resulting from unscrupulous propaganda to induce support for Malaysia. As we know, such reaction must come sooner or later, and I regret that hardly anything has been done to check such irresponsible work. It is a game of fire which may easily get out of control.
“As a sons of North Borneo, for the love of my people and my country, I have gone very far in this warning, and for once, I hope the government will not ignore the sign of a most dangerous situation approaching and will do every effort to maintain the peace of this country.
“One other item I would very much like to mention here this morning is about the agricultural cess on timber in the East Coast. Up to now this cess has only been used to help people who have acquired land from where timber had been extracted to develop such land.
“As timber is the general wealth of the country I don’t see why the agricultural cess levied on it should not be used in other places like the West Coast where the need for such help is greatest. I hope the government will consider this proposition.”
After Mr. Sundang has spoken there appeared to be some consultation between Datu Mustapha, Mr Khoo Siak Chiew and Mr Donald Stephens and the consequence of which was a reply given by the Datu to what was said by Mr Sundang.
In cool even tones the Datu said that he had not intended to speak on the adjournment but after listening to what Mr Sundang had said he felt duty bound to stand up and speak.
The Datu said that it was a painful thing for him to listen to someone who was supposed to be a member of the Alliance speak the way Mr Sundang had spoken about the rebellion.
“He has made it clear today”, the Datu went on, “that his sympathies are in fact with the rebels and that he is today as much against Malaysia as he ever was”.
Datu Mustapha said that the sort of talk by Mr Sundang was dangerous talk, “but I thank Mr Sundang for what he said just now because we at least now know who and what he is”.
The Datu said that in troublous times like the present more danger could only be avoided if the leaders of Sabah work together in close cooperation with one another and with the Government. He pleaded for all leaders to stick together sake of “our country” and for the good of our country”.
Loud applause followed his speech.
The Chief Secretary in replying to what Mr Sundang had said: “It is quite untrue to say that the views of the people have not been ascertained”.
“The Cobbold Commission found that a large majority of the people in the territory were in favour of Malaysia subject to certain safeguards about which they were worried. Moreover this Honourable Council has approved unanimously, with Mr Sundang’s assent, that the decision in principle to establish Malaysia would be welcomed provided that the terms of participation and the constitutional arrangements will safeguard the special interests of North Borneo.
“Speaking as Joint Leader of the North Borneo Inter-governmental Committee, I have never from the word ‘go’ anticipated that the task would be an easy one. “As Lord Lansdowne has pointed out, we must aim to safeguard not only the interests of North Borneo, but also those of Malaysia.
“There must, be give and take and compromise.
“I have personally been comforted throughout by the fact that North Borneo has, unlike other territories, been in the happy position of having an overall Alliance embracing all political parties, and it is immensely strengthening to know that one has the people of North Borneo, represented through their political leaders, backing us in what we are trying to do.
“There is the old phrase about unity being strength: that has never been more important to North Borneo than it is now, and I would pass from this topic with the plea that the people of Sabah should do two things - they should speak for themselves as one united front, and they should not let other people like Mr Azahari (about whom we spoke yesterday), attempt to speak for us”, Mr Turner said.
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