497
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15. As the Sultan of Perak has now come forward and, taking his stand on the Treaty of Pangkor and on the assurances given from time to time in connection with federation, has requested that he may be placed in a position of authority comparable to that of the Ruler of Kedah and the Sultan of Johore, it will in my opinion, be necessary to come to a comprehensive arrangement with him as to the future Government of his State in affairs of local concern. I do not see how all his aspirations could be realised without a break-up of the present Federation, which would be very regrettable from the point of view of efficiency and economy, in administration and of co-operation and uniformity of law and practice in the States now federated, although possibly in the future it may be desirable to take that step as a measure preliminary to a new and wider federation with complete re-organisation of the administration of Malaya as a whole.
18. The Sultan is anxious to discuss this matter fully with you on his return. After such discussion I should be glad to have in due course your considered personal opinions on the whole matter. You will no doubt also report upon the minor matters raised by the Sultan after necessary consultation with your advisers on points of detail. You are, of course, at liberty to consult the Chief Secretary, the Residents, and whom else you wish on the general question of policy, but it is particularly your own views which I desire, now that you have had nearly five years intimate acquaintance with the affairs and people of Malaya.
I have, &c.,
(for the Secretary of State),
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Malay Cadets.-These should be admitted on the same basis of salary and position as European Cadets if they have passed the same standard of examination or any qualifying test laid down by the Government for their admittance.
Rulers and Chiefs.-Rulers should have private means administered by Govern- ment. It is not desirable that a Ruler should be in the same position as others in having to ask for land, &c.
The Ruler and the three great Chiefs should be afforded an Entertainment Allowance.
The pension of the children of Rulers should be substantially increased. At present it is paltry.
The wives of The Ruler or Chiefs who by their marriage become the holders of Titles, should be eligible for a pension.
The position of the Malay Chiefs is very important and quite considerable, and they should accordingly have a considerable increase in their emoluments.
Miscellaneous.—That Chotties be prohibited from dealing with the natives of
a State.
That gambling farms be re-established.
That opium monopolies be allowed as formerly.
Kampar. The old Kampar tribute of 5 per cent. from that area-was not Sultan Idris' personal possession. It was family and should be continued to the Ruler.
ARNOLD.
Enclosure in No. 10.
Memorandum on the F.M.S. Government Policy.
Each
The Federation.-That the original Treaty be followed in its exact terms. state should be fiscally independent up to a certain point. Its policy should be the result of consultation between the Ruler and the Resident aided by the State Council. This council should be able to deal with everything that does not concern the laws of the country and the administration of the Railway. It should be given authority to pass small enactments or issue circulars of instruction where a matter that is peculiar to the State concerned seems to demand such action. Briefly, the Ruler should be treated as a Ruler and the Resident carry out on his behalf and with his co-operation the policy arrived at by them and in consultation with a more powerful State Council.
In technical matters the State should be able to decide on a policy, and the Ruler should be able to come into closer touch with the technical services in this way.
The Federal Council would still be referred to in matters where it was thought that there was something more involved than the State itself.
The position and perhaps the title of the Chief Secretary will have to be considered. The heads of departments in the first place should be Advisers to him in his capacity of an official who will co-ordinate the various sections of Administra- tion. It does not seem to be his duty to dictate to the Rulers. The High Commissioner does this and the Chief Secretary is his Advisor only. Most of his present powers would be delegated to the Residents.
The present time would be ideal, on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Pangkor Treaty for the Straite Government to perform a graceful and generous act in handing back to Perak the Dindings and the island of Pangkor. It would provide Perak under a new system with a remarkable opportunity for development.
Mohammedan Law.-There must be absolute non-interference on the part of European officials. This is especially so in matters where hitherto Civil Law has been allowed to adjudicate in the matter of the division of property &c. It is the desire of the Rulers that the Malays should understand and practise their religion and that their manners and customs should be jealously retained. In matters where an Official is asked to take action where Religion is concerned, assistance should be more readily forthcoming.
(40675/24.)
No. 11.
The HIGH COMMISSIONER to the SECRETARY OF STATE. (Received 21st October 1924.)
FEDERATED MALAY STATES.
(Secret.)
Government House, Kuala Lumpur, SIR,
25th September, 1924. I HAVE the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your Secret despatch of the 26th of August* informing me of what passed at an interview between His Highnews the Sultan of Perak and yourself.
2. You ask for my personal views on the most important question raised by His Highness, viz., whether the time has not arrived for reviewing the relations between the Central Government of the Federated Malay States and the several Rulers of the Federated States.
3. I lose no time in informing you that I am aware of the views of His Highness as spokesman for the Rulers, that I agree largely with those views, and that Ỉ have for some time past been engaged in preparing a statement dealing with the subject for your consideration.
4. I have arranged to see His Highness shortly, and will then send you a further Secret despatch† outlining the policy which I consider should be adopted.
5. I propose in that despatch to make no reference to your despatch under reply or to any representations on this matter made by the Sultan to you or me, but to lay my proposals before you as my views spontaneously offered. This will I think be clearly convenient if in the future it becomes advisable to publish my despatch.
6. I will in accordance with your direction look into the other questions raised by His Highness at his interview with you.
I have, &c.,
L. N. GUILLEMARD.
• No. 10.
† No. 12.
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE
Reference :-
CO. 882/10
PUBLIC RECORD OFFICE, LONDON
ALLY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE BE REPRODUCED PHOTOGRAPHIC-
COPYRIGHT PHOTOGRAPH—NOT TO.
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