THE STRENGTH OF MALAYSIA

In spite of 'confrontation' and misunderstanding by two of her biggest neighbours the federation of Malaya, Sin{apore, Sara,s)ak and Sabah is of assured of a flourishing future because thegreat human and material assetsof its ma,ny peoples.
A ar

by ALLINGTON
Sgmbol of Malagsian democracq-Parriament

KENNARD
Kuala Lumpur.

House in

PARADOX which Malaysia could very well have done without is that it owes much to those who are not its friends. The hostility of Indonesia and the Philippines has reinforced every argument for Malaysia. Why should they and federation of the last British have opposedindependence territories in South-EastAsia? Malaysia is a viable federation, politically and economically. The four territories have much in common, including however, have racial problems. Six years of independence, proved Malayan ability to prosper in a surrounding sea of troubles, and to be the anchor of a democratic, progressive and larger federation. Indonesian and Filipino opposition was not out of fear that the Malaysian Federation would fail, and consequently be a continual invitation to instability and danger in the South-East Asia region. The bitter conclusion is that they would prefer Malaysia not to work. The Philippines Government has filed claim to North Borneo, while Indonesia believesthat both North Borneo and Sarawak should be part of the IndonesianRepublic. THERE is a much more grandiose Indonesian dream than I this - Indonesian hegemonyin South-EastAsia, a new empire ruled by the "Sawdust Caesaro' Jakarta. This is the in explanation of Dr Soekarno's {anatical hatred now of the British. The British Embassy went up in flames as hooligan "patriots" dancedin the street."W'e are a young people,easily provoked", said Dr Soekarno'sForeign Minister. The conflict between Indonesian and Filipino interests scarcely needs emphasising. Their o'confrontation" alliance against Malaysia can be only a temporary phenomenon,for their policies begin to diverge with the Indonesian attack on the Malaysian defencetreaty with Britain. The Philippines have their own defencetreaty with the United States, and the Americans have army, navy and air force bases in the Philippines which can be even less to Indonesia'sliking than the British base in Singapore and the presenceof a mobile Commonwealthreservein Malaysia. For sometime to come both the Philippines and Malaysia will feel safer in the knowledgethat if threatenedby war there is aid immediately at hand. Both countrieshave experienceof the menace of Communism (there were 15,000 casualtiesin Malava's Communist war) and both governmentswatch with anxiety Communist aggressionon the Asian mainland from the towering Himalayasto the beaches Vietnam. o{ The Filipino and Malaysian defencetreatiesare a guaran. an tee of stability in South-East.A,sia, assuranceand not a threat. Why should Indonesia feel insecure because of Malaysia? Jakarta has by far the largest armed forces in the region, admittedly a motley collection which runs away with three-quartersof the budget. Indonesia has been defending itself into bankruptcy and chaos against imaginary enemies. FROM the Nlalarsian side of the Straits of Malacca the view 'r is a little difierent. and the sound-trackis alarmine. There is piracy in the Straits and murder gangs raid Suru*ik from over the Indonesianborder, the gunmen and often the pirates recruited from Indonesia'sarmed services.

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