with great care must therefore be made within the framework of their basic attitudes.
181. The challenge posed by these different elements of opposition require different responses. We are confident that, if the response is satisfactory, the ultra-nationalists would realise that Malaysia is not contrary to their convictions and the chauvinists would reconcile themselves to the new structure. It would be an error of the gravest kind if these two strands of opposition, which require appropriate responses, were considered and treated together with the opposition of the Communist elements.
182. The Commission received evidence from a number of people, including officials of these two territories, to the effect that while a Federation of Malaysia is an excellent concept, it is premature and would be more acceptable and more successful if it were delayed for some years, the intervening period being devoted to active preparation for federation and to the development of a complete electoral and ministerial system. They advanced the arguments that the political and electoral systems in these territories are immature and that any other solution would fall short of the British Government's obligations in Sarawak as laid down in the Cardinal Principles and the reply given to the petition addressed to Her Majesty The Queen in 1959.
183. We accepted these submissions with the greatest respect for the spirit and sincerity with which they were made, but on the basis of our observations and study during our tour, we cannot find ourselves in agreement with these sentiments as it pre-supposes a lack of leadership of the necessary calibre among the people of the territories concerned.
184. We, on the other hand, were impressed with the quality of leadership shown both in Sarawak and North Borneo. In Sarawak there have already been elections and the Council Negri includes members elected by the people by a system of electoral college. Political parties are playing a vital role in the lives of most of the people. In North Borneo there has been an awakening of political consciousness in the most heartening manner since the proposals for Malaysia were enunciated. One of the most significant developments in these territories is the emergence of political leaders of high calibre with the growth of political parties. These are men of good sense and responsibility with high regards for the principles of democracy and freedom, whatever their views may be regarding Malaysia. We have no doubts that with the prospect of elections and political advancement in Malaysia, these trends will become even more intensified. Their relative inexperience in working a system of govern- ment within the framework of the Federation should not, in our view, be an insurmountable factor.
185. We are therefore convinced that the present leadership both in Sarawak and North Borneo is in a position to guide and lead their peoples not only towards responsible Government but also self-Government within Malaysia.
186. Indications have been given earlier to explain why the majority of the natives of North Borneo and Sarawak support the realisation of Malaysia as early as possible. It may be summarised here that they are motivated by the need to assure the security of the country as a whole from Communist subversion and to bring about accelerated progress in economic development, education,
