HC Deb 14 December 1949 vol 470 cc259-60W
31. Mr. Gammans

asked the Secretary of-State for the Colonies if he will make a further statement on the attack on the Governor of Sarawak and intimate to what extent this occurrence represents any widespread political dissatisfaction.

Mr. Creech Jones

It is with very deep regret that I have to inform the House of the death on 10th December in Singapore of Mr. Duncan George Stewart, Governor of Sarawak, as a result of the attack made on him at Sibu on 3rd December. Hon. Members will join me in expressing the deepest sympathy for Mrs. Stewart and her children.

The House will wish to know that following the incident vigorous measures in connection with this crime were taken by the Officer Administering the Government, Mr. C. W. Dawson. Two Malay youths, both members of the Pergerakan Pemuda Malayu have been arrested and charged with murder and 12 other members of the Association have been arrested on suspicion of complicity.

The Association which was located in Sibu and the surrounding area and represented the younger and more advanced elements of the Anti-Cession movement has also been declared illegal. Warrants have been executed for the search of the premises of all Malay Anti-Cession Associations and of the houses of their principal officers. The Acting Governor reports that the action taken has had a reassuring effect and has been welcomed by the public.

This outrage was not the result of any widespread political dissatisfaction, but seems to have been a crime perpetrated by a few violent and misguided persons led astray by Anti-Cession propaganda. Declarations expressing horror at the outrage and loyalty to His Majesty have been received from all sections of all communities throughout Sarawak, and letters have been received from the Secretaries of four Anti-Cession Organisations in Kuching expressing disgust at the attack and sympathy for the victim. Apart from the isolated tragic outrage at Sibu there have been no incidents of any sort and the country is as quiet as it was before the attack took place.

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