HC Deb 02 June 1954 vol 528 c80W
64. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what further consideration has been given to constitutional revision in Borneo and Sarawak; and how far this has been related to constitutional development in Malaya and Singapore and the desirability or otherwise of a South-East Asian Federation.

Mr. Lyttelton

Constitutional changes designed to associate the people more closely with the government of the Colony are being discussed in Sarawak. No changes are at present contemplated for North Borneo, where the amendment of 1950 meets existing needs.

Any close relation of the constitutional development of the Borneo Territories with that of the Federation of Malaya and Singapore is precluded by the differences between the political progress so far achieved in the two areas. Similarly, federation in any form, though it may become possible in the future, is not a practical proposition now.