- Sarawak National Party
88. This party was formed in 1961 by Ibans in the Second Division, and its influence up to the time of the Commission's visit had not penetrated to any appreciable extent to the other Divisions. The membership claimed was then 46,000, predominantly Iban. It is, of course, difficult to judge but our impression, based on the evidence we heard and on information from reliable sources, leads us to think that the active membership probably falls substantially short of this figure.
89. Despite initial misgivings, the party has come down firmly in favour of Malaysia which it now considers to be a " vital necessity ", for the reasons that it recognises that Sarawak cannot stand alone, and that Malaysia will bring greater prosperity and will provide protection against the threat of Communism.
90. The main points which the party has asked shall be considered in drawing up a plan for a Federation of Malaysia are the following:
To be called Rajah; to be from one of the indigenous races; and to be elected by the people of Sarawak.
Each Head of State in the new Federation to be eligible for nomination in rotation as Head of the Federation.
No alteration of boundaries of any State, especially between Sarawak, Brunei and North Borneo.
Preservation of both to remain a State responsibility.
Malay to be accepted as the national language in Malaysia but Iban to be one of the secondary languages. English to remain the official language not only in Sarawak but also in the new Federation for at least 15 years. English also to remain the medium of instruction in schools, provided that the study of other languages is not prevented.
To remain until suitable people from Sarawak can replace them.
Adequate constitutional safeguards to ensure that State powers are not changed without the agreement of the State.
To be under State control.
