(c) Sarawak's representation in the Federal Parliament. A number of groups asked that this should be worked out on a combined population and area basis and that, within the number of seats allocated to Sarawak in the House of representatives, the Ibans should have equal representation with the Malays and the Chinese.
(d) National language. There was some difference of opinion. Some groups suggested that there should be no national language, others wanted it to be Iban. Still others were willing to have Malay or Iban.
(e) Official language. There was agreement among many groups that English should be retained either indefinitely or for at least 15 years as the official language, not only in Sarawak but in the new Federation as well. Some groups wished Iban as well as English to be an official language.
(f) Medium of instruction in schools. English should be retained as the medium of instruction, but Iban should be taught as a subject.
(g) Religion. Much emphasis was placed on the need for freedom of religion as there is at present, i.e., freedom to profess, practice and propagate any religion. There was a general feeling that Sarawak should be a secular State and the suggestion was made that if Muslims were given assistance from Federal funds, other religions—Christianity was specially mentioned—should enjoy similar treatment.
(h) Name of the new Federation. There was dislike of the name "Malaysia" and hope that some other name could be devised. Many alternatives were suggested.
(i) Armed forces. The Ibans are anxious to have a fair chance of service in the Federation's armed forces.
(j) A number of groups wanted to be sure that they could have a separate Sarawak State flag—some mentioned the old Rajah's flag—a State anthem and a National Day.
50. As in the case of the Third Division, the Iban groups in the Second Division who supported the Malaysia plan included some who did so on the basis set out in the report of the Malaysia Solidarity Consultative Committee. They were, in most cases, members of Party Negara.
51. A considerable number of groups were uncertain what attitude to adopt towards Malaysia. There were perhaps more of these in the Second Division than in the Third. There were some too who presented the standard S.U.P.P. demands with which we deal in paragraphs 79-85. One letter suggested that the Brooke regime should be restored before Malaysia is considered.
52. Finally, the view was expressed to us by Hbans in many centres that it was of great importance that a decision on Malaysia should be reached as soon as possible. Political activity had been stimulated to an alarming degree during recent months by the Malaysia proposals and many Ibans were afraid that there might be violence not only between different races but between Ibans who supported the Malaysia plan and those who opposed it.
