1946 P’pine charter, 1961 resolution both exclude North Borneo
Published on: Friday, November 30, 1962
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There is practically no dissenting voice. These political parties, namely the United National Kadazan Organisation, United Sabah National Organisation, Borneo Utara National Party and the United National Pasok Momogun Party, and the Sabah Indian Congress have agreed and Alliance and have passed the Malaysia plan.
“This Sabah Alliance represents every section of the population of North Borneo.
The United National Pasok Momogun Party which was one of the signatories of a memorandum submitted to the special committee which the Philippines had effected in their statement to the Assembly of Tuesday has joined now the Sabah Alliance Party, which supported the Malaysia plan.
Congressman Godfredo Ramos has asserted in the Assembly that Britain has ignored Philippines proposal for a negotiated settlement of the claim to North Borneo.
Dato Ong, who was taking part in the 110-member Assembly’s general debate on colonialism.
He said he would like to make a few remarks about the Philippines government.
“As far as my government is concerned,” the Malayan statement said, “this claim, at this moment, is entirely a matter between the United Kingdom and the Philippines governments.
“However, since the distinguished representative of the Philippines made reference to the proposed establishment, I feel that it is appropriate for me to make certain clarifications.
“My Government has proceeded with the Malaysia plan as result of a very strong desire of the people in North Borneo to achieve independence through merger with the Federation of Malaya.”
Earlier, Dato Ong said the problems in the African colonies were urgent and required urgent solutions.
He struck at the “obduracy” of the Portuguese Government in refusing to accept “present day realities and in persistently denying the right of its subject peoples to self-determination.”
This was a constant source of friction that might lead to more serious threats to world peace, he said.
Equally serious in its repercussions is the continued practice of racial discrimination and segregation which characterise the acute problems in a great many of the African colonies, in particular the territories under Portuguese administration and in South West Africa, where the iniquitous system of apartheid is being imposed by the government of South Africa,” he said.
In Manila, President Macapagal reaffirmed yesterday that his government has no intention of relaxing, much less abandoning, its claim to North Borneo.
“The Philippine Government has not relaxed in taking necessary steps in support of its claim, he told his weekly news conference.
“The Government has no intention of relaxing, much less abandoning its claim and has taken the necessary measures on the claim.” He did not elaborate.
Asked if the Government planned to place the claim for settlement before the UN, President Macapagal said his government had merely informed the world body of its position.
In the General Assembly on Tuesday, Congressman Godfredo Romas outlined the Philippine position on its claim.
President Macapagal was also asked whether the Philippines was still intent on pursuing the claim in view of possible repercussions in Malaya.
“Certainly we are pursuing it,” he said.
Asked if the claim might not disrupt the Association of South-east Asia, of which the Philippines and Malaya are members, Mr Magapacal said: “Our claim antedates ASA.”
In KUALA LUMPUR, Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malayan prime Minister, told parliament yesterday he should be “very happy” to dicuss the Philippines claim to North Borneo with President Macapagal - but only in his “own personal capacity.”
The forthcoming ASA Foreign Ministers conference in the Philippines would provide the opportunity for such a meeting, he said.
The Tunku reiterated that the claim was a matter between the British and Philippine governments.
He said: “If desired, I shall be very happy to discuss the matter with the Philippines President at the ASA Foreign Minister conference. I shall do so in my own personal capacity.”
The Tunku was replying to Mr V. David (Socialist Front) who wanted to know the Government’s attitude towards the claim.
To another question by Mr David, the Tunku said he did not think President Sukarno would be keen to discuss with him about Malaysia.
In the United Nations on Tuesday, The British delegate, Sir Patrick Dean, described the Philippine claim as “entirely new.”
Replying to the Philippine delegate, Congressman Godfredo Ramos, who spoke in support of the claim, Sir Patrick said: “I would only say this - that both the Philippine constitution of 1946 and the 1961 resolution of the Philippine Congress on territorial waters defined the boundaries of the Philippines to the exclusion of North Borneo.”
Sir Patrick asked for the floor immediately after Mr Ramos delivered his speech.
He said Mr Ramos had supported his country’s claim “with a number of arguments, statements and quotations.
“My government will study these arguments, statements and claims with the care they undoubtedly deserve,” he added.
Sir Patrick said there was strong opposition to the Philippines claim by the people of North Borneo.
He recalled that leaders of all five North Borneo political parties had sent an open letter last month to President Macapagal saying they were against any Philippine claim to the territory.
The North Borneo people would not consent to become part of the Philippines, the letter said.
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