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as a Johore aristocrat, cannot forget that only about 12 months ago there was still Malaysian/Libyan complicity in terrorist training of 32 young men for use against Brunei. In the face of some apparent initial Whitehall reserve, this plot was conclusively rumbled by the Brunei Security Service, and at the end of 1976 was firmly sat on by Hussein Onn..
9. But the episode reinforced basic Brunei thinking. Rightly or wrongly, Ghazali Shafie, the Malaysian Home Affairs Minister, who was believed involved, remains viewed with suspicion. Toward the end of 1977, 11 of these 32 escaped to Singapore from the arrangements ordered by Hussein Onn, and sought return to Brunei. Possibly this was seen here as a Trojan Horse operation: anyway Brunei refused the Singapore request to accept them back. The young men are now expected to return to Malaysia. Brunei suspicion was also aroused by Malaysian Press reports, seen as Government inspired, suggesting Brunei interest in joining Malaysia. This is just not so.
10. While Malaysia participated in the year's UN Motion about Brunei, albeit in a reasonable key, Singapore stayed away. Within the region, Singapore seems a friend. The two currencies are common tender. With British agreement, the Singapore Armed Forces enjoy modest training facilities in Brunei. As for the other ASEAN countries, there seems no Philippine hostility. Signs from Indonesia suggest understanding of the realities in North-West Borneo-where East Malaysia may be less than enchanted with government from Kuala Lumpur; and sudden change in Brunei could have regional consequences which are not easy to forecast. On a happier note, Prince Mohamed attended the inauguration of the new Crown Prince of Pahang in October, and Brunei participated at the South East Asian Games in Kuala Lumpur during November.
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Happily, it was agreed, that the Sultan
and Sir Omar might be invited to attend the Silver Jubilee celebrations in London. The invitation was highly valued, and the event made deep impression. The occasion also enabled talks to take place on the new and generous British arrangements now on offer: in essence, very early replacement of the status quo by a new Treaty of Friendship and Co-operation, with a wholly independent Brunei, and provision for the retention of the Gurkhas here for another five years. This was still not enough for Sir Omar.
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