[The Tunku's accusations that British colonial servants in Borneo were hampering preparations for Malaysia, were printed in the Straits Times and reached the British press too. In a follow-up telegram on the same day, Tory informed the CRO that the Tunku was 'unrepentant' while Wong Pow Nee and Ghazali (the Malayan members of the Cobbold Commission) were complaining of 'rude treatment in North Borneo'. In asking the secretary of state for an explanation, Macmillan wondered whether the attack was 'really a manoeuvre by the Tunku to forestall Communist criticism' (Macmillan to Maudling, 12 Mar 1962, CO 10301987, no 1112). Drawing upon material written at the time, Ghazali Shafie has described warm receptions in Sarawak and North Borneo and attributed such 'rudeness' there was on the part of local people to their coaching by die-hard British expatriates, see Memoir, pp 197-229.]
Today's Straits Times publishes following front page report of interview with Tunku 11th March under banner headlines 'British Civil Servants in Borneo territories hampering Malaysia' 'Tengku accuses' 'Resident snubs Ghazali, Wong.
Tengku Abdul Rahman today accused British civil servants in Borneo territories of hampering Malaysia. Tenku said 'British civil servants in Borneo territories can do a lot to influence people, especially natives, because of their high position. 'However, they are very antagonistic towards Malaysia. They have now been persuaded not to take an active part in opposing Malaysia. Instead, they have adopted an apathetic attitude' he stressed that 'opinion' of British civil servants in Borneo territories did not count as far as he was concerned as he had already obtained agreement of the British Government to Malaysia concept 'I do realise necessity that they (British civil servants) should not be allowed to influence natives, like Malays and Dyaks.' 'The British civil servants in their position can do a lot of harm,' he said. Tengku said that a British resident in North Borneo had snubbed Malayan members of Cobbold Commission at a cocktail party 'in full view of everybody'. He said 'So bitter was the British civil servants opposition to Malaysia that when Wong Pow Nee and Ghazali were leaving the party, the British resident involved did not have courtesy or politeness, as one would expect from a British official in high position, to stand up and bid guests farewell'. Tengku added 'When matter was reported to me personally by Dato Wong and Inche Ghazali on their return to Kuala Lumpur last week, I was really very annoyed at this complete lack of courtesy, politeness and good manners on part of the host'. He would bring this to notice of Governor. Tunku said that, beside British civil servants, people in Borneo territories opposing Malaysia were Chinese people and businessmen, and British merchants. He recalled that various Chinese millionaires were opposed to Merdekal fearing chaos and disaster but no single Chinese in Malaya did not agree with Malayan independence now. Look at their wealth. Regarding British businessmen in Borneo territories opposing Malaysia, Tengku said he could not understand their attitude 'these people merely want to cling to their possessions without due regard for changing situation'. North Borneo had not been an easy place to push forward concept of Malaysia but it had dedicated people like Donald Stephens and Dato Mustapha who believed in Malaysia. Danger facing Borneo territories was 'clear enough for everyone to see'. 'I don't have to repeat it time and again. We can all see threat of Communists. If I did not see this danger I would not be bothered with other territories like Singapore, Sarawak, Brunei and North Borneo. 'Why should I really bother with these territories, if I did not see the danger ahead for us and for them. I am happy to have Malaya which is rich, prosperous and enjoying peace and security.' Dealing with Singapore, which might require 'some special attention' he said he was certain that Singapore could not become an independent country. 'Singapore finds it a bit hard to accept merger terms because it has always regarded itself as a little China' he said.
~ Keith Wookey ,Sandakan Resident , & Tunku Abd Rahman during a visit to Sandakan after a failed attempt by Ghazali Shafie to promote the Malaysia Plan ,also known as the 'Grand Design'
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