The Earl of Bessboroughasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether there is anything they can do to influence the situation in Sarawak as described in the letter to The Times of 4th November from Anthony Brooke, the former Rajah Muda of Sarawak.
§ The Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Lord Glenarthur)The Malaysian Prime Minister has stated that the recent detentions were necessary in a situation of increased ethnic tension to prevent a slide into public disorder. We hope that circumstances will soon permit the release of those detained.
We know that both the Federal Government of Malaysia and the State Government of Sarawak are aware of concerns expressed about the environmental effects of commercial activities in the state.