The IXth Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference

THE COMMONWEALTH PARLIAMENTARY ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1911, the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association has the following aims:

• To promote understanding and cooperation among those persons engaged in and those formerly associated with Parliaments and Legislatures in the countries of the Commonwealth of Nations:
  (i) by the exchange of information and visits; and
  (ii) by Conferences of Members of such Parliaments and Legislatures
• Similarly, to promote understanding and cooperation with Legislators of countries outside the Commonwealth having close historical and parliamentary association with them

Membership of the Association is of two types and is restricted to persons who are or have been Members of Parliament: Ordinary Members being those currently Members of Parliament; and Associate Members those who have been but are not currently Members of Parliament.

The achievements and the significance of the Association in the Commonwealth may be summed up in its own words:

In all the years of its existence, the Association claims credit for no specific constitutional change, no far-reaching legislative enactment, not even so much as a resounding resolution; yet it has played a genuine and valuable part in the development of ideas about and within the Commonwealth. It is indeed something more than the mere words "An Association of the Parliaments of the Commonwealth" can imply. Through the facilities it offers, the various legislators can obtain the necessary knowledge and understanding of each other and of each other's problems without which no common approach is possible. They can confer frankly as with members of the same family and take back with them to their own lands the fruits of experience they have gathered which, in the course of their normal Parliamentary  duties, they can distribute among their colleagues and constituents. By these means throughout the entire Commonwealth, a certain common background of thought and opinion can be created, which at times of international crisis may be reflected in a readiness for common action.

The 9th Post-war Parliamentary Conference meets at the newly completed Parliament House which stands in the Lake Gardens of Kuala Lumpur, the Federal Capital of Malaysia.

It is an impressive building on top of a hill and is visible for miles around. Designed and supervised by the Federal Public Works Department, this building has taken nearly 2.5 years to complete at a cost of approximately $17 million inclusive of plant and equipment, furniture and fittings.

The building itself occupies an area of almost two and a quarter acres; there are twenty levels in the tower block and three levels in the main building providing a total of approximately 360,000 square feet of floor space. The two Chambers of the Houses of Parliament are in the main block, in which are also a Banqueting Hall, a Library, Entrance Halls, Office Accommodation for the staff of Parliament and for Government Officers attending Parliament, Office Suites for the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, and the Prime Minister, Lounges, Coffee Rooms and Dining Rooms for Members, a Press Room, and Committee Rooms. In the tower block, there are Office Suites for the use of Ministers during Meetings of Parliament, the Cabinet Chamber, and offices for ordinary Members of Parliament. The whole Parliament House is air-conditioned by two units having a  total output of 2,000 h.p., which are controlled centrally.

Of the two Chambers, the larger one is that of the House of Representatives. It will have a normal capacity of 160 Members of Parliament, and has in addition provision for about 260 members of the public, 36 Press Representatives and 60 Government Officials. For the State Opening of Parliament, for which the Chamber of the House of Representatives will also be used, it will be possible to seat about 220 Members in the pool of the Chamber. The Senate Chamber has seating accommodation for 60 Senators, about 110 members of the public, 30 Official and 24 Pressmen.

Technical Details
Special postage stamps of the 20 cents and 30 cents denominations will be issued on the 4th November, 1963 to commemorate the 9th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference which will be held in Kuala Lumpur.

Size: Diamond shape, measuring 35 mm each side perforation to perforation.

Printing Process: Photogravure

Design: The design features and outline of the new Parliament Building and the emblem of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association

Colour:
20 cents - Outline of the building and emblem in white, lettering in gold, on dark green background


30 cents - Outline of the building and emblem in white, lettering in gold, on lake background.


Paper: PTM watermarked white paper

Printed by: Harrison & Sons Ltd., London

The stamps will be placed on sale in all the territories of Malaysia for a period of three months from the date of issue or until stocks are exhausted whichever is earlier.

First Day Cover
 

The Installation of D.Y.M.M. Yang Di-Pertuan Agong

HIS MAJESTY THE YANG DI-PERTUAN AGONG

His Majesty Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’Adzam Shah ini Al-Marhum Sultan Badlishah was elected as the 5^th Yang Di-Pertuan Agong by the Conference of Rulers on the 23^rd July, 1970.

A nephew of Tengku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, the first Prime Minister, and the son-in-law of the first Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, he was born on the 28^th November, 1927 at Anak Bukit, Kedah, and educated at the Sultan Abdul Hamid College, Alor Star.

In 1949, he went to England, where he read political science and took a diploma course in social and public administration for three years at Wadham College, Oxford. After graduating he accompanied his father on a tour of Scandinavia. Later he accompanied his brother, Tengku Abdul Malik, on a tour of Holland, Germany and Spain.

His Majesty met his attractive consort Tengku Bahiyah binte Al-Marhum Tuanku Abdul Rahman of Negri Sembilan when she was studying domestic science in England. They were married on their return to Malaysia in March, 1956 at Sri Menanti.

Following this, he was attached to the District Office in Alor Star and later to the Treasury until late 1958.

On the 6^th August, 1949, he was appointed Raja Muda, became heir apparent eight years later and then Regent of Kedah when his father went to Britain for an operation. On the demise of his father on the 14^th July, 1958, he was proclaimed Sultan of Kedah and formally installed on the 20^th February, 1959. Accompanied by his consort, he went on a world tour in 1963.

As the Timbalan Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, to which office he was elected in 1965, he acted for the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong on a number of occasions when the King was indisposed. He was host for the State visit of King Faisal of Saudi Arabia in June, 1970; for President Soeharto of Indonesia in March; and Japan’s Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko in February the same year.

His Majesty is the holder of the following Orders and Decorations:

1. Darjah Kerabat Yang Amat Mulia Kedah (D.K.)
2. Darjah Utama Sri Mahkota Negara (D.M.M.)
3. Darjah Utama Kedah (D.U.K.)
4. Darjah Kerabat Yang Amat Di-Hormati Kelantan (D.K. Kelantan)
5. Darjah Kerabat Sri Indra Mahkota Pahang (D.K. Pahang).
6. Sri Paduka Mahkota Kedah (S.P.M.K.)

A keen sportsman, His Majesty plays golf; photography, both still and cine, is another hobby.

Technical Details

Commemorative postage stamps of 10 cents, 15 cents and 50 cents denominations will be issued to mark the Installation of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong of Malaysia. Details of the stamps are as follows:

Size: Rectangular in shape in a vertical format with the following dimensions perforation to perforation:

Vertical – 35 mm

Horizontal – 25 mm

Design: The three stamps feature the portrait of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.

Colours:

10 cent – Black and white portrait against a yellow background. The letterings and denomination in gold.

15 cent – Black and white portrait against a purple background. The letterings and denomination in gold.

50 cent – Black and white portrait against a blue background. The letterings and denomination in gold.

Artist: The design and artworks were prepared by Union Art Corporation, Kuala Lumpur.

Printing Process: Photogravure.

Paper: Unwatermarked white paper.

Printed by: Messrs. Harrison & Sons Ltd., England

Period of Sale: Until stocks are exhausted

First Day Cover

 

4th World Orchid Conference Singapore Malaysia

4th WORLD ORCHID CONFERENCE
It was in 1954 that the 1st World Orchid Conference was held in St. Louis, U.S.A. The American Orchid Society, Inc. sponsored it, and so grew the idea that the best and most knowledgeable orchidists of the world should meet once in three years to exchange their knowledge, to impart their ideas to the public and to get to know each other better.

The 2nd World Orchid Conference was held most appropriately in Honolulu then at the crest of its orchid wave, and it was a fine success, for it combined availability of lovely plants with a site already famous as a tourist paradise. In 1960, the Royal Horticultural Society, London, was given the opportunity of being host to the 3rd World Orchid Conference and the world saw the splendour of its annual Chelsea Flower Show. It was here that the Malayan Orchid Society's exhibit came into prominence. The bright and gay tones of Malayan orchids literally opened the eyes of the thousands who visited the exhibit. The queue in front of the 46 foot long exhibit was 12 deep and jammed tight hour after hour for the duration of the show.

This success was very largely responsible for the fact that this year Singapore is the host to the 4th World Orchid Conference.

The Conference will be held at the Victoria Theatre, beginning from Tuesday, 8th October, 1963. It will be opened by H.E. the Yang di-Pertuan Negara, and will last till Friday, 11th October, 1963.

Preceding the Conference, the Malayan Orchid Society will be holding an Orchid Festival Show on the 3rd October, 1963. The Show will be held in the premises of the Singapore Turf Club. It will give an opportunity for Malaysia to show its orchids, and for professional growers and dealers to exhibit their products and wares to overseas orchidists.

The Singapore Conference is sponsored by three organizations, namely, the American Orchid Society, Inc., the Royal Horticultural Society, London, and the Malayan Orchid Society. In addition, each of these societies has underwritten the Conference against loss to the sum of nearly $50,000. Also, if there is a profit, after a token sum has been deposited into the Conference fund, all excess has been most generously promised by the American Orchid Society, Inc. to be used in Singapore as a fund for research on Malaysian orchids.

The Conference and Show will serve the purposes of showing Malaysian orchids to the world and providing opportunities for obtaining up-to-date orchid knowledge and funds for research.

Technical Details
Special postage stamps of the 6 cents and 25 cents denominations will be issued on 3rd October, 1963, to mark the 4th World Orchid Conference.

Size: 42 mm x 31 mm perforation to perforation in vertical format

Design: Orchid flowers

Colour: Orchid flowers in natural colour and different background colour of each denomination

Printing Process: Photogravure

Paper: Unwatermarked white paper

Printed by: Messrs. Joh. Enschede En Zonen, Holland

Period of Sale: Three months from the date of issue or until stocks are exhausted whichever is earlier.

First Day Cover
 

The Installation of His Highness The Sultan of Perak

BIOGRAPHY OF DULI YANG MAHA MULIA SULTAN IDRIS AL-MUTAWAKIL ALLAHI SHAH, SULTAN OF PERAK
Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Idris is the son of a former Sultan of Perak, Sir Alang Iskandar Shah, G.C.M.G., K.C.V.O. (30th). He was born in Kuala Kangsar on 28th August, 1924. Like other members of the Perak Royalty he received his early education at Bukit Chandan Malay School and Clifford School, Kuala Kangsar, and later continued his education at the Malay College, Kuala Kangsar.

When he was only ten years old he was appointed Di-Hilir of Perak, and when his father passed away in 1938 he was raised to the rank of Raja Bendahara.

In the latter part of 1946 he was attached to the Perak Secretariat for administrative experience. During the flood in 1947 he was appointed a member of the Perak State Flood Relief Committee. This appointment gave him an outlet for his youthful energy and enthusiasm, and those who observed his untiring efforts had occasion to remark that the young prince was truly following in his enlightened father's footsteps.

Since 1947 Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Idris has toured all over the State, visiting every town and kampong, and studying the conditions of life and work of the raayat, and attending to their welfare.

In keeping with the functions of his high office, he has taken a keen interest in the activities of Malay organizations, extended his patronage to sports, exhorted the raayats to live harmoniously with each other as well as other races in the State, and forged a link between the State Government and kampong folks. Consequently, there is general appreciation of the fact that Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Idris, by his frequent tours to various parts of the State, is rendering a unique service, the possibilities of which were never fully explored before.

On the day of the funeral of the late Sultan, Sir Abdul Aziz, Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Idris, as the Bendahara of Perak, served as chairman of the committee in charge of the funeral arrangements, and as master of ceremonies. On the same day, as the representative and Grand Vizier of the late Sultan, he had the honour of reading the proclamation announcing the appointment of the new Sultan.

On 15th July, 1948, His Late Highness Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah, at a public investiture ceremony, announced the appointment of Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Idris as the Raja Muda of Perak.

In 1949 Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Idris visited the United Kingdom and stayed there till 1951 to take up a course in Local Government and Administration, Social Science and Agrarian Economics at London University. Later he worked at the Burlington Rural District Council and then at the Oxford City Council.

On his return to Malaya in 1951, he was attached to the Royal Malay Regiment at Port Dickson to undergo intensive military training. He now holds the rank of Major.

From 1951 to 1958 he served on the State Penghulus Service Committee as its Chairman.

During the Emergency he toured and visited various parts of the State in an effort to end communist terrorism. In 1952 he was awarded C.M.G. by Her Majesty the Queen and P.J.K. by His Highness the Late Sultan of Perak.

From 1952 to 1957 he served as an official member of the Perak State Executive Council. He is also an ex-officio member of the Dewan Negara, Perak, since its inception in 1953.

In 1953 he was appointed Regent when His Late Highness the Sultan visited United Kingdom. In 1956 he was appointed Chairman of the Council of Regency.

When he was Raja Muda he represented His Late Highness the Sultan at various installation and coronation ceremonies of the Sultans of Kedah, Johore, Negri Sembilan, Kelantan and Selangor.

Duli Yang Maha Mulia Raja Idris' main hobbies are painting, orchid planting, boating, hunting and fishing. He takes a special interest in boating and he has designed and made boats himself.

On January the 6th, 1963, he was proclaimed as Sultan Idris Al-mutawakil Alallahi Shah, Yang Di-Pertuan and Ruler of the State of Perak.

Technical Details
A special postage stamp of the 10 cents denomination will be issued on the 26th October, 1963 to mark the Installation of His Highness the Sultan of Perak.

Size: 36 mm x 25 mm perforation to perforation (horizontal format) in sheets of 100 stamps.

Printing Process: Photogravure.

Design: The design depicts the Perak State Crest and the portraits of His Highness the Sultan.

Colour: The State Crest and the portrait of His Highness the Sultan in full colour against a yellow background.

Paper: PTM watermarked white paper

Printed by: Harrison & Sons Ltd., London

Period of Sale: Three months from the date of issue or until stocks are exhausted whichever is earlier

First Day Cover
 

Malaysia 10 Years Merdeka

A DECADE OF DEVELOPMENT
The first decade of independence for Malaysia from 1957 to 1967 is a decade of progress in many fields particularly in development both social and economic. The main aim of the Alliance Government during the decade was to make Malaysia a peaceful, happy and prosperous Nation.

When the Federation of Malaya achieved independence on the 31st of August 1957 she had many problems. Malaya was a country with seven million people of various races belonging to different religions, having different customs and different languages. At the same time the communist terrorists were waging a relentless war against the Government and the people. And so this young nation had to be organized well enough to meet not only the challenge of a ruthless enemy but also to conduct a process of assimilation and growth whereby the heterogeneous elements within society could be moulded into a nation with common aims and outlook.

During the Second World War the people suffered untold hardships and they resolved that they should in future hold their destiny in their own hands and almost immediately after the Second World War came to an end the movement for Independence began. With the achievement of Independence in 1957 the people were free to chart a course for the nation.

Clearly it is the duty of the elected Government to make this possible. But the terrorist war had to be ended so that all efforts could be concentrated on development. With the will of the people and the concentrated effort of the Government, the Communist Terrorist campaign  was ended in 1960 and the Government was enabled to give development top priority. This was a twin pronged movement with emphasis on rural development so as to correct the economic imbalance between the rural and urban people and also almost concurrently on urban development mainly industrial to stabilize the economy of the country. The technique of coordinated activity used in the war to combat communist terrorism was adopted for national and rural development. This technique is the well-known Operation Room technique of Malaysia.

Just as it was in the case of the war with the communist terrorists when urgency was vital so was it in the case of implementing the National Development Programmes. Operation Rooms were set up not only in the National Capital but also in the State Capitals as well as at District Headquarters. The progress of development projects was charted and kept up-to-date on maps in the Operation Rooms. Delays in implementation were quickly dealt with. Results had to be achieved within the shortest possible time.

To encourage development the country must be opened up and roads and bridges must be built for easy communications. In the five years 1960 - 1964 almost 2,000 miles of roads were built, opening up new areas and connecting existing villages. Large areas of land were opened up for agriculture. Land Development Schemes were initiated and by the end of the first decade 67 schemes with an area of about 170,000 acres of rubber and oil palm have been planted, and based upon the experience gained, work is already in progress on an area of 93,000 acres called the Jenka Triangle to settle 9,200 families.

The country was primarily engaged in producing rubber but with the drop in the price of this commodity the economy was threatened, consequently diversification had to be embarked upon speedily. Agriculture had to be diversified and industrialists encouraged to enter into manufacturing activities. Private enterprise was given incentives to start factories manufacturing import pioneer industries and the establishment of industrial estates near the large towns and suitable locations.

In this atmosphere of intense economic activity, Malaysia was born in September 1963. The formation of Malaysia was not looked upon with favor by some of her neighbours and consequently Malaysia had to face confrontation which lasted for a period of three years and it is only very recently that confrontation ended. During the period of confrontation Government efforts were concentrated to meet this new threat to her sovereignty but the equally vital need for continuing the development of the country was not lost sight of.

With Peace restored, the people are looking forward towards an era of growing prosperity. The First Malaysia Development Plan has been launched involving a total outlay of $10,500 million during a period of five years from 1966 to 1970. The First and Second Year Development Plans gave amenities of life to the people, such as roads, electricity, water-supplies, health centers, telecommunications, postal services and schools. The First Malaysia Plan is intended to encourage the people themselves to improve their standard of living by coordinating their own efforts.

Malaysia is a young but vigorous country. The educational system is geared for the purpose of giving every school-going child an opportunity to receive education until the age of 14. They are given the best education possible with opportunities for higher education in the colleges and in the University of Malaya.

Looking back again at the first decade of independence the striking thing about it is that it was a decade of remarkable progress during a time of turbulence when internal and external forces were attempting to destroy its very existence. Throughout the Emergency and throughout Confrontation there was parliamentary democracy in the country. In the end good prevailed over evil and the people can continue to lead a peaceful and prosperous life.

Throughout all these years right from the time when the first independence talks with the British Government were held in 1955 to the present day, the primary responsibility for guiding the destiny of this young nation lay with the leader of the Alliance Government, Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj and on his understanding and vision. The Tunku, as he is affectionately called, has the ability to weld together a multitude of people into a nation whose very diversity is a source of strength as each and everyone finds it his pleasant task to give his best.

Technical details
Commemorative postage stamps of the 15 cents and 50 cents denominations will be issued on the 31st August, 1967 to mark the 10th Anniversary of Merdeka. Details of the stamps are as follows.

Size: Rectangular with the following dimensions perforation to perforation in sheets of 100:
Horizontal - 44 mm
Vertical - 28 mm

Printing Process: Photogravure

Designs: The design features the portraits of Their Majesties the past and the present Yang di-Pertuan Agong in profile and the National flower of Malaysia.

Colors:
15 cents - The portraits in black; flower in red with green leaves on yellow background.


50 cents - The portraits in black; flower in red with green leaves on blue background.

Paper: P.T.M. watermarked white paper

Printed by: Harrison & Sons Ltd., London

Period of Sales: Six months from the date of issue or until stocks are exhausted whichever is earlier.

First Day Cover

25th Anniversary United Nations Commemorative Stamps

UNITED NATIONS 25TH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATION
The United Nations came into being on 24th October, 1945. This year will see its 25th Anniversary which will be celebrated extensively not only by this World Body but also by member nations. As one of its many commemorative activities, the Government of Malaysia will be issuing on this occasion a 25th Anniversary Commemorative stamp.

A quarter of a century is a long time for any organization to survive. The United Nations has been through many a troublesome period, but Malaysia has always pledged her support for this worthy body. One might ask why this body is so esteemed in a world so fraught with trouble.

The answers might be found in the Charter of the U.N.  itself. Some of the objectives of the U.N. have been formulated precisely to make the world a better and safer place to live in. These objectives can be described briefly as:

1. To maintain international peace and security.
2. To develop friendly relations among nations.
3. To achieve co-operation in solving international problems of an economic, social, cultural or humanitarian character.
4. To be a center for harmonizing the actions of nations in achieving character.

These are certainly worthy causes and are some of reasons for Malaysia's support for the U.N.

The United Nations does give much of its assistance through its specialized agencies, some of which have inter-governmental status.

The Economic and Social Council, as a co-ordinating body for these agencies, seeks to promote (as  specified in the Charter) "higher standards of living, full employment and conditions of economic and social progress for all peoples.

It is the main coordinating organ for such agencies as the International Labour Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization, the World Health Organization, the International Atomic Energy Agency, International Telecommunications Union, UNESCO and a host of other agencies which are formed for the benefit of mankind.

None of these agencies and bodies of the U.N. can function without the financial assistance of member States.

At the moment there are several U.N. projects in Malaysia which are being undertaken by these U.N. specialized agencies. As an example, the Food and Agricultural Organization is at present setting up a Fisherman's Training Center as one of its many projects. It is also assisting in the Forest Industries. The United Nations Development Programme is assisting the Malaysian Government in carrying out surveys and feasibility studies to determine the economic potential and to plan the productive use of national resources; also in establishing and strengthening educational and training institutions. Many F.A.O. and I.T.U experts are brought over and many fellowships are granted to Malaysian citizens.

Apart from its economic and technical work, the U.N. is also used as a "courtroom for world opinion". It is a place where countries deliberate to sort out their various political problems vis-a-vis one another. Such international crises as the Korean Crisis (1950), Congo (1960) and Cuba (1962) have been resolved by means of this world body. On the other hand, many problems have not been resolved. The U.N. does have its defects and is by no means a perfect body. However, it is a useful meeting place for diplomats and the proof of its usefulness may be seen in the fact that it is already 25 years old.

The 25th Anniversary of the U.N. is thus certainly an auspicious occasion not only for the U.N. but also for Malaysia in that the anniversary is to commemorate for Malaysia the good work that the U.N. has done for her and the mutual benefits to both. The issue of this 25th Anniversary Commemorative Stamp is one tribute that Malaysia is giving this esteemed world body.

Technical Details

Commemorative postage stamps of 25 cents, 30 cents and 50 cents denominations will be issued to mark the 25th Anniversary of the United Nations on 24th October, 1970.

Size: Rectangular with the following dimensions perforation to perforation in sheets of 100:

Horizontal - 35 mm

Vertical - 25 mm

Design: The three stamps feature the Emblem of the United Nations and 25 Doves of Peace.

Colour: 

25 cents - The Emblem in yellow and the Doves in white against a brown background.

30 cents - The Emblem in blue and the Doves in white against a yellow/green background.

50 cents - The Emblem and Doves in white against a green background.

Artist: Enche Ng Peng Nam

Printing Process: Delacryl

Paper: Unwatermarked white paper

Printed by: Messrs. Thomas De La Rue & Co. Ltd., England

Period of Sale: Until stocks are exhausted.

First day cover

 

Sarawak Council Negri Centenary 1867-1967

CENTENARY OF THE COUNCIL NEGRI, SARAWAK
On the 8th September, 1967, the Sarawak State Legislature known as Council Negri celebrates its centenary.

The Council Negri held its first meeting at Bintulu on 8th September, 1867, with the Tuan Muda (afterwards Rajah Sir Charles Brooke) presiding. Five Europeans and sixteen local Sarawak leaders, mostly Malays were present. At this first meeting, the members were informed that the purpose of the Council was to deliberate on any matter of great importance to the population in general or any dispute among the different peoples about laws and customs.

The second meeting was held at Sibu in 1868. Subsequent meetings were held in Kuching, usually at intervals of three years.

In 1941, the Rajah (Sir Charles Vyner Brooke) decided to commemorate the Centenary Year of Brooke Rule in Sarawak by introducing constitutional reforms designed to replace autocratic rule by a form of government based on democratic principles. The result was the Constitution Order of 24th September, 1941, which contained the famous Nine Cardinal Principles.

Under the Constitution Order, 1941, the Council Negri consisted of twenty five members made up of fourteen official members and eleven unofficial appointed members. The first meeting of the reconstituted Council was held on 17th November, 1941. A few weeks later the country was overrun by the Japanese.

After the Liberation the Council Negri resumed its functions again. It was at a meeting held on 16th May, 1946, that the Council gave its consent to the Creation of Sarawak to the British Crown.

As a first step towards the achievement of self-government, the Council Negri was again reconstituted under the Sarawak (Constitution) Order in Council, 1956, to consist of fourteen ex-officio Members, twenty four Elected Members, four Nominated Members and three Standing Members. The ex-officio Members were the Chief Secretary (acting as President of the Council), the Attorney-General, the Financial Secretary, the Residents of the five Divisions, and six other Government officers appointed by the Governor. The Standing Members were appointed by the Rajah before the Cession as members of the Council Negri for so long as they remain members of the State Public Service. When the seat of a Standing Member became vacant, it was not to be filled. Persons eligible for appointment as Elected or Nominated Members had to be 25 years of age or upwards and to be British subjects or British protected persons. Furthermore, they ware required to have been residents in Sarawak for seven out of the ten years preceding an election.

Elected Members of the Council Negri were elected by Divisional Advisory Councils and the three urban councils of Kuching, Sibu and Miri in accordance with the Council Negri Elections Ordinance, as follows:

First Divisional Advisory Council - 5 representatives
Second Divisional Advisory Council - 4 representatives
Third Divisional Advisory Council - 6 representatives
Fourth Divisional Advisory Council - 4 representatives
Fifth Divisional Advisory Council - 2 representatives
Kuching Municipal Council - 1 representative
Sibu Urban District Council - 1 representative
Miri Urban District Council - 1 representative

Total 24

Constitutional changes were made in 1963 by the introduction of the Sarawak (Constitutional) (Amendment) Order in Council, 1963, but a new Constitution was enacted in the same year under the Malaysia Act, 1963 to enable Sarawak, North Borneo and Singapore to federate with the existing States of the Federation of Malaya and thus achieve internal self-government. Under the new Constitution of the State of Sarawak, the Council Negri was reconstituted to consist of a Speaker, three ex-officio Members, namely the State Secretary, the State Attorney-General and the State Financial Secretary, thirty-six Elected Members, three Nominated Members and one Standing Member.

The thirty six Elected Members have been elected by means of a three tier system, that is, they were first elected by the people to the District Councils and the Kuching Municipal Council, thence to the five Divisional Advisory Councils and finally to the Council Negri. The distribution of seats is:

First Division Advisory Council - 10 members
Second Division Advisory Council - 6 members
Third Division Advisory Council - 11 members
Fourth Division Advisory Council - 6 members
Fifth Division Advisory Council - 3 members

Total 36

There is at present no Standing Member. The last Standing Member was Dato (now Tun) Abang Haji Openg, OBE who was then the President of the Majlis Islam before he was appointed Governor of Sarawak.

The first meeting of the Council Negri under the new Constitution was held on 4th September, 1963. On 16th September, the same year, Sarawak achieved its independence by becoming a State in the Federation of Malaysia.

In other States of Malaysia the legislation is known as the State Legislative Assembly but, in Sarawak, the name "Council Negri" has been retained.

It is expected that in its Centenary Year, 1967, Council Negri will be developed still further and become a House whose members will be returned by direct elections to be held for the first time towards the end of the year.

The two commemorative stamps depict the Council Negri Mace which symbolizes the Speaker's authority and impartiality in the House. The Mace was presented to the Council Negri on 14th December, 1965, by Dato Wee Kheng Chiang, PNBS., CSS., on behalf of the people of Sarawak.

Technical Details
Commemorative postage stamps of the 15 cents and 50 cents denominations will be issued on the 8th September, 1967 to mark the Centenary of the Council Negri, Sarawak. Details of the stamps are as follows:

Size: Rectangular with the following dimensions perforation to perforation in sheets of 100:
Horizontal - 35 mm
Vertical - 25 mm

Printing Process: Photogravure

Design: The design features the Council Negri Mace and the State Crest

Colours:
15 cents - The Mace in yellow and grey; State Crest in yellow, black and red on bright green background

50 cents - The Mace in yellow and grey; State Crest in yellow, black and red on olive-brown background

Paper: P.T.M. watermarked white paper

Printed by: Harrison & Sons Ltd., London

Artist: Enche Ng Peng Nam

Period of Sale: Three months from the date of issue or until stocks are exhausted whichever is earlier

First Day Cover

The Centenary of the International Telecommunication Union

INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION CENTENARY
Before going into the details of the International Telecommunication Union, it is perhaps best, for the benefit for those unfamiliar with this organization, to define the word "Telecommunication as "Any transmission, emission or reception of signs, signals, writing, images and sounds of intelligence of any nature by wire, radio, optical or other electromagnetic system". In other words, telegraph, telephone, radio and all their applications such as telex and television are encompassed in the field of Telecommunications.

Through these media it is possible for people to communicate with one another over vast distances. But difficulty is often met when it comes to crossing the man-made frontier between nations. This was clear right from the beginning, more than a hundred years ago people first started sending telegrams from one country to another (the telegrams had to be handed across the frontier). Some kind of international agreement was therefore necessary.

It was for this reason therefore, that the I.T.U. originated on 17th May. 1865 with the signing of the International Telegraph Convention. It is the oldest of intergovernmental organizations which have become specialized agencies in relation with the United Nations.

In 1876, the telephone was invented and then towards the close of the 19th Century, radio. These new communication media also became international and regulations were drawn up for their use.

An important step forward for the organization was taken in Madrid in 1932 when two plenipotentiary conferences were held - a Telegraph and Telephone Conference, and a Radio Telegraph Conference. On that occasion, the two conventions were amalgamated into a single "International Telecommunication Convention" and the countries which signed or acceded to it formed the International Telecommunication Union, replacing the Telegraph Union.

The present headquarters of the I.T.U. is situated in Geneva, Switzerland, in which four permanent organs are to be found -

• General Secretariat
• International Frequency Registration Board (IFRB);
• International Radio Consultative Committee (CCIR)
• International Telegraph & Telephone Consultative Committee (CCITT)

The I.T.U. at present consists of 119 members and one Associate member. Malaysia is a member of the I.T.U.

The General Secretariat is the organ of liaison between telecommunication Administrations throughout the world. With it are deposited instruments of ratification of the Convention and instruments of accession. It also publishes numerous documents essential for the efficient running of telecommunications services and also a monthly publication entitled the Telecommunication Journal.

The main task of the International Frequency Registration Board is to decide whether radio frequencies which countries assign to their radio stations (and which they have notified to the Board) are in accordance with the Convention and the Radio Regulations and will not cause harmful interference to other stations. An average of more than 1700 frequency assignments, or change of assignments, notices from countries arrive at the IFRB each week. Another important task of the IFRB is to work out seasonal High Frequency Broadcasting Schedules.

The International Radio Consultative Committee and the International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee deal respectively with technical radio problems and technical telegraph and telephone problems. Each Committee holds a Plenary Assembly every few years. The Plenary Assembly draws up a list of technical telecommunication subjects or "Questions", the study of which would lead to improvements in International Radio Communication or International Telegraphy and Telephony. These questions are then entrusted to a number of Study Groups, composed of experts from different countries, which draw up Recommendations which are then submitted to the next Plenary Assembly. If the Assembly adopts the Recommendations they are published.

On 15th November, 1947, the General Assembly of the United Nations acknowledged the I.T.U. as the specialized agency in the field of telecommunications, under an agreement defining the means whereby the two international organizations cooperate. With the spirit of cooperation, the Union, since 1952, has participated in the "Expanded Program of Technical Assistance" carried out jointly by the United Nations and the Specialized Agencies. The activities now cover twenty-two countries which receive advice from experts or obtain further training for their specialists from fellowship grants. In addition, the Union cooperates in the new United Nations "Special Fund" for which it draws up plans, recruits experts and helps in the implementation of projects. In this particular aspect, the Telecommunications Department, Malaysia has benefited considerably in that the United Nations has allotted several million dollars from its "Special Fund" to assist in the erection of a new Telecommunications Training Centre in Gurney Road, Kuala Lumpur.

Malaysia, as a member of the International Telecommunication Union, joins all other nations of the world in celebrating the Centenary of this important world organization.

Technical Details
Special postage stamps of the 2 cents, 25 cents and 50 cents denominations will be issued on the 17th May 1965 to commemorate the Centenary of the International Telecommunication Union.

Size: Rectangular with the following dimensions perforation to perforation:
Horizontal - 36 mm
Vertical - 25 mm

Printing Process: Photogravure

Design: The design features a Microwave Tower and the I.T.U. emblem.

Colour:
2 c. - Orange with lilac background

25 c. - Orange with brown background

50 c. - Orange with green background


Paper: Unwatermarked paper

Printed by: Helio-Courvoisier S.A. Switzerland

The stamps will be placed on sale in all the territories of Malaysia for a period of three months from the date of issue or until stocks are exhausted whichever is earlier.

 First Day Cover

The 7th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank

ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
The Asian Development Bank is an international development finance institution established for the purpose of lending funds, promoting investment and providing technical assistance to developing member countries, and generally in the Asian region. Since its inauguration in 1966 and from the original membership of 31 countries it has increased to 40 in 1973.

The Bank has two important features. First, it is an Asian Bank conceived by the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE): it is located in the ECAFE region; about 60 per cent of its capital is subscribed by the regional member countries; the President and eight of the 12 Directors come from the region. Secondly, unlike certain regional financial institutions, the membership of the Bank extends beyond the region: countries outside Asia have contributed to the Bank's capital and are represented on the Boards of Directors and professional staff of the Bank.

The organizational structure of the Bank consists of the Boards of Governors, which is the highest policy making body. The responsibility for the general policy direction of the operations of the Bank rests with the Board of Directors. The Board consists of 12 Directors; 8 representing regional member countries and 4 representing non-regional members. The President under the direction of the Board of Directors of which he is the Chairman, is responsible for the organization and operation of the Bank.

Each member of the Bank is represented on the Board of Governors by a Governor and an Alternate Governor. Normally the Governor is either the Minister of Finance or Governor of the Central Bank of the member country. The Hon'ble Tun Tan Siew Sin, Minister of Finance is the Governor of the Asian Development Bank for Malaysia and the Hon'ble Datuk Mohamad Rahmat the deputy Minister of Finance is the Alternate Governor. The Board of Governors as the highest policy making body of the Bank meets at least once annually.

Malaysia is for the first time playing host for the 7th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors to be held at Kuala Lumpur Hilton from the 25th April until 27th April 1974. About 300 official participants are expected to attend the meeting. In addition between 200 and 250 private Bankers and from 100 to 125 members of the press (both local and overseas) are likely to attend.

The meeting will be opened by the Hon'ble Tun Haji Abdul Razak bin Hussein the Prime Minister of Malaysia on Thursday, 25th April, 1974 at Nirwana Ballroom, Kuala Lumpur Hilton.

The relationship between Malaysia and the Bank has been extremely cordial and mutually beneficial. As an international financial institution established principally for economic development in the developing Asian region, the Bank has been very cooperative in considering loans to Malaysia for various development projects. The aggregate amount of loan so far financed by the Bank to Malaysia is approximately US$150 million covering 17 projects ranging from water supply, power, highway, agriculture, port and airport.

Technical Details
Commemorative postage stamps of the 30 cts. and 75 cts. denominations will be issued on the 25th April, 1974, to mark the 7th annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Asian Development Bank in Kuala Lumpur. Details of the stamps are as follows:

Size: Horizontal format with the following dimensions perforation to perforation in sheets of 100 stamps:
Vertical - 27 mm
Horizontal - 42.5 mm

Designs: The basic design is common to both denominations and features the emblem of the Asian Development Bank; a composite drawing depicting development projects; the word 'Malaysia' in blue, the denomination in red and the lettering in black.

Colour: Multicolour, with a grey background for the 30 cts. and buff background for the 75 cts.

Artist: Final artwork by Malaysian Advertising Services, Kuala Lumpur

Printing Process: Lithography

Paper: Unwatermarked white paper

Printer: Messrs Bruder Rosenbaum Printers, Vienna, Austria

Period of sale: Until stocks are exhausted

First Day Cover

SEACOM

SEACOM is the code name for the South-East Asia Commonwealth Telephone Cable System. With its completion, another very significant contribution by the Commonwealth Nations to bring the countries of the world into closer contact with each other is accomplished.

Good telecommunications within a country are necessary for full inter-working of governmental, commercial, industrial and social operations. So, in a wider field good international telecommunications in the world are necessary to assist countries to develop together economically and socially.

The Commonwealth has a vast network of international telecommunication facilities consisting of high frequency radio, telegraph submarine cables wideband telephone submarine cables and communication satellites. The last two media of communication have been developed only recently, and they can provide large capacities and high quality communication links which H.F. radio and out of date telegraph cables cannot do.

The Commonwealth international telecommunication network is not only extensive but it is a unique set-up in the world of communications. It consists of a common-user system of interconnections between practically all Commonwealth countries as well  as connections between Commonwealth countries and non-Commonwealth countries.

SEACOM is a truly Commonwealth joint effort, built by Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Britain, each Partner sharing in the total cost and also contributing in one way or another to the technical design, materials, manufacture or installation.

SEACOM is doubly important to Malaysia, firstly, because it connects the State of Malaya with the State of Sabah and thus provides a first class communication link, which will no doubt contribute greatly to the development of Sabah, secondly, because it is the first telephone cable to be laid in South-East Asia. It will not only give Malaysia good communications to many countries in this region like the Philippines, Japan and Hong Kong but also to Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Britain, the United States and Europe.

The SEACOM cable route is made up of five cable sections, Singapore to Jesselton, Jesselton to Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Guam, Guam to Madang and Madang to Cairns. Kuala Lumpur is connected to SEACOM by a microwave link from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore and also from Cairns to Sydney by another microwave link.

At Guam SEACOM is connected to the Trans-Pacific cable and telephone where telex and telegraph connections are made to Tokyo, San Francisco and Manila from Kuala Lumpur and other Commonwealth points in the cable.

At Sydney SEACOM is connected to the Commonwealth Pacific cable called COMPAC and thence via the Canadian overland microwave system to Montreal where connection is made to the Commonwealth Trans-Atlantic cable CANTAT. Thus via this route direct telephone, telex and telegraph connections have been provided from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney and London. At the switching centres at Sydney and London connections to New Zealand, Canada and countries in Europe can be dialed direct from Kuala Lumpur. Services over the cable will all be on a 24-hour continuous basis. Hence, with the completion of SEACOM, it is expected that there will be an outstanding improvement in the international telecommunication services from Malaysia.

SEACOM has a capacity of 80 telephone circuits between Kuala Lumpur and Guam and 160 circuits between Guam and Sydney. Telegraph, telex and data transmission can also be made via SEACOM and a single telephone circuit can provide up to 22 telegraph or telex channels.

The length of a telephone circuit from Kuala Lumpur to Sydney in the SEACOM system is 9800 miles and there are 356 submerged amplifiers or repeaters inserted in the cable. The submerged repeaters are designed and manufactured with meticulous attention to every detail, so that they can give an expected trouble-free life under the sea of at least 20 years without maintenance attention. Each repeater contains two amplifier systems working in parallel so that if one system fails, the other will maintain service with no effect upon the performance of the system.

All possible care is taken during laying and jointing of the cable to ensure that the system will function efficiently for many years. Every joint made on the coaxial cable is X-rayed to check for possible defects before it is accepted. The route of the cable has all been surveyed carefully and the cable laid precisely on the selected path along the ocean bed.

Some sections of SEACOM are laid in waters up to 24,000 feet deep where both the cable and repeaters will be subjected to tremendous pressures.

The total cost of the SEACOM system is in the region of $200 million, contributed jointly by Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and Britain. The system is expected to give more than 20 years of good service in conjunction with other cable and space satellite systems.

The demand for international communications is increasing rapidly all over the world and financially SEACOM is expected to be a profitable project. But more important is the benefit it can provide by bringing the peoples of the world closer together with rapid and continuous contact. It is difficult to name a price for the increased undertaking that will ensue.

Technical Details
Special postage stamps of the 30 cents and 75 cents denominations will be issued on the 30th March, 1967 to commemorate the completion of the SEACOM Project.

Size: Rectangular with the following dimensions perforation to perforation in sheets of 50:
Horizontal - 72 mm
Vertical - 25.5  mm

Printing Process: Photogravure

Design: The design features two maps, one of Southeast Asia and Australia showing the route of the SEACOM cable and the other of the world showing the SEACOM cable connected to the international telecommunications network.

Colours:
30 c - yellow, blue, green and red


75 c - yellow, blue, light blue and red


Paper: Unwatermarked paper

Printed by: Government Printing Bureau of Japan

Artist: Enche Ng Peng Nam

Period of Sale: Three months from the date of issue or until stocks are exhausted whichever is earlier

First Day Cover

Postage Stamp Centenary 1867-1967

A CENTURY OF MALAYSIAN POSTAGE STAMPS
The story of the stamps of Malaysia lies in the history of the stamps of the States which make up the Federation. It begins in 1867 when the Straits Settlements were constituted as a Crown Colony governed directly by Britain.

Prior to 1867 postal matters in the Straits Settlements came under the control of the Indian Post Office. Indian postage stamps were used without any modifications but in 1867 stamps intended for use solely in the Straits Settlements were introduced. These stamps were overprinted with a Crown and were in Straits cents and dollars. Curiously the title "Straits Settlement" was not shown on the stamps.

In December 1867 a new definitive issue featuring the famous Wyon portrait of Queen Victoria and typographed by De La Rue replaced this issue. Then between March 1892 and July 1899 stamps in the standard Colonial keyplate colours were issued. In 1902 the Colonial keyplate designs showing the new monarch King Edward VII appeared.

The King George V definitive series release between 1812 and 1922 was a mixture of old and new designs with some values printed on coloured paper. In 1936 a new standard design for the Straits Settlements made its debut and was later adopted by the other stamp issuing territories of the Malayan Postal Union. It featured an oval portrait of King George V flanked by palm trees. The same design was used for the stamps of the Straits Settlements participated in the Colonial Omnibus issued for the Silver Jubilee of King George V (1935) and the Coronation of King George VI (1937).

POSTAL SERVICES IN THE FORMER UNFEDERATED MALAY STATES
In 1876 postal service was established in Johore. Straits Settlements stamps overprinted with the name of the State were in use until 1891 when a series portraying His Highness Sultan Aboubakar was issued. When he was succeeded by his son, His Highness Sultan Sir Ibrahim in 1895, an issue overprinted "Kemahkotaan" commemorating the Coronation was released. Various issues portraying the Sultan and, in 1935 the Sultana also appeared between this date and his Diamond Jubilee in 1955.

Postal services in the other Unfederated States were controlled by Siam from 1883 until 1909 and Siamese stamps post-marked in Kedah, Kelantan and Perlis are eagerly sought after. No Post Office existed in Trengganu until December 1910 when the Straits Settlements stamps were used pending the arrival of a distinctive series which was released later that month. During a temporary shortage in 1921, stamps of the Straits Settlements were used in Trengganu and in that year a new series portraying His Highness Sultan Suleiman was released.

Kelantan followed Trengganu with distinctive stamps in 1911 featuring the emblem of the State. The series was reissued between 1921 and 1928 when a new one dollar stamp portraying His Highness Sultan Ismail Ibni Almerhum Sultan Mohammed was released. This design was used for all values of a new definitive issue made between 1937 and 1940.

Kedah's first definitive series appeared in 1912 and consisted of three designs for 14 values. This issue, with various colour changes, remained in use until 1937 when a new series portraying His Highness Sultan Abdul Hamid Halimshah was made.

POSTAL SERVICES IN THE FORMER FEDERATED MALAY STATES
In the Federated Malay States the stamps of the Straits Settlements were used until the States began issuing their own series. Perak was the first of the States to issue stamps when the Straits Settlements two cents value was hand-stamped with a "P" and a crescent and star in 1878. Overprinted issues remained in use in Perak until the first distinctive series was introduced in 1892.

Selangor too used Straits Settlements stamps until its own overprinted local issues appeared in 1881.

Pahang's first issue consisted of Straits Settlements stamps overprinted "Pahang" in 1889. Negri Sembilan, the Union of the 9 States of Sungei Ujong, Jelebu, Johol, Rembau, Ulu  Muar, Jempul, Terachi, Gunong Pasir and Inas, issued stamps in August 1891 which were in fact overprinted Straits Settlements stamps. Sungei Ujong, however, had stamps of its own from 1878 onwards.

In 1891 a standard design showing a leaping tiger was introduced in the Federated States. 2 cents denominations released simultaneously in Pahang, Perak, Negri Sembilan, Selangor and Sungei Ujong were followed by 5 cents (1893) and 1 cent (1895) denominations. In 1895 a 3 cents denomination in a new uniform design showing the head of a tiger was released. Stamps in denominations of 4 cents and 5 cents, of the tiger's head design, were released in the Federated States between 1895 and 1899.

The Federated Malay States, constituted in July 1896 each used its own stamps until 1898 when the stamps of any State became valid for use in the other States. In 1900 a general issue inscribed "FEDERATED MALAY STATES" was introduced. At first the definitive sets of Negri Sembilan and Perak were used, suitably overprinted, but towards the end of that year a new "leaping tiger" design was brought into use for the lower denominations. The dollar values used the elephants design as before. The stamps remained in use for 35 years.

In 1935 the Malayan Postal Union was formed and separate issues for the Federated Malay States were re-introduced, each State issuing a series inscribed "MALAYA" with the State's name. In 1922 a Malaya - Borneo Exhibition was held in Singapore and several values in the definitive sets of the Straits Settlements, Kedah, Kelantan, Brunei and North Borneo were overprinted "MALAYA - BORNEO EXHIBITION".

POSTAL SERVICES IN SABAH AND SARAWAK
Present day Malaysia includes two States in the island of Borneo, Sabah and Sarawak. Sabah was previously known as North Borneo and incorporated the territory of Labuan which was itself a Crown Colony from 1848 till 1890 and had its own stamps between 1879 and the end of the century.

Both Sarawak and Sabah (North Borneo) have had a long and interesting postal history. Sarawak commenced issuing stamps in March 1869 and Sabah in 1883. With the establishment of the British North Borneo Company in 1882, North Borneo was opened to trade and became a British Protectorate in 1888. Between 1883 and 1887 its stamps were inscribed with the words "North Borneo"; in the latter year the word "British" was added to the title. From 1894 onward the stamps were inscribed with the words "The States of North Borneo" and "British Protectorate" were either overprinted or added to the design in most issues after 1901.

STAMPS DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR AND THE IMMEDIATE POST-WAR YEARS
The Malay Peninsula was invaded by Japanese Forces in 1941 and the stamps of Malaya were overprinted by the Japanese who later issued their own stamps. When Japan surrendered in 1945 Malaya was placed under British Military Administration and the pre-war stamps were overprinted with "B.M.A. MALAYA". In 1947 the stamps of Sarawak and North Borneo were reissued overprinted with the Royal Cipher following their change in status to Crown Colonies.

On 1st February 1948 the Federation of Malaya was formed and the stamps of the British Military Administration were gradually superseded by stamps in uniform design for portraying the Rulers of each State (or the Coat of Arms, in the case of Negri Sembilan) in Johore, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Penang, Perak, Selangor, Singapore and Trengganu. The State of Perlis, which had hitherto used the stamps of Kedah, began issuing its own stamps at this time. The twelve territories issued stamps in the Colonial Omnibus designs for the Silver Wedding (1948), the 75th anniversary of the Universal Postal Union (1949) and the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II (1953).

POSTAGE STAMPS AFTER MERDEKA
The Federation of Malaya achieved independence on the 31st August, 1957. Philatelically these changes were heralded by the release of four stamps on 5th May, 1957, inscribed "Federation of Malaya", which were intended for use throughout the country. Between June and August, each of the component States released their own definitive sets differing only in the inscription and the portrait of the ruler inset.

Changes of portrait became necessary on the stamps of Kedah (1959), Kelantan (1961-2) and Selangor (1961-2) because of the deaths of the rulers of these States. Several stamps were issued by the States to mark local events such as the Diamond Jubilee of the Sultan of Johore (1955) and the Coronations of the Rulers of Johore (1960), Kedah (1959), Kelantan (1961), Negri Sembilan (1961), Selangor (1961) and Perak (1963).

The Federation of Malaya issued a number of colourful commemorative stamps such as the Independence Day Commemorative (1957 and 1958) and the Parliamentary Inauguration set (1959). In the succeeding years stamps were issued for the Natural Rubber Research Conference. The Colombo Plan Conference, National Language Month, Free Primary Education and the Cameron Highlands Hydro-Electric Scheme. In addition the Federation participated in the world "Omnibus" issues for World Refugee Year (1960), Human Rights (1958), Malaria Eradication (1962) and Freedom from Hunger (1963).

On 16th September, 1963, Malaysia, comprising the States of the Federation of Malaya and the States of Sabah (North Borneo), Sarawak and Singapore, was established and a set of three stamps featuring the sun rising over a map of the area was issued. The stamps of North Borneo were overprinted with the word "Sabah" pending the arrival of the new definitive series.

Malaysia issued two stamps in 1963 to commemorate the Fourth World Orchid Conference in Singapore and stamps for other important events such as the Ninth Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, Mrs Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial and International Telecommunication Union Centenary followed during the next two years.

The present distinctive National definitive issue featuring birds of Malaysia was released on 9th September, 1965, and on 15th November of the same year the State definitive issues were released.

Since the release of these National and State series, commemorative stamps have been issued from time to time notably for the opening of the National Mosque and the International Airport (August 65), the third South Eastern Asia Peninsula Games (December 65), National Monument (February 66), Installation of the King (April 66), 150th Anniversary of Penang Free School (October 66), The First Malaysia Plan (December 66), Seacom (March 67), 10th Anniversary of Merdeka (August 67) and the Centenary of Council Negri, Sarawak (September 67).

Technical Details
Commemorative postage stamps of the 25 cents, 30 cents and 50 cents denominations will be issued on 2nd December, 1967 to mark the Centenary of the First Postage Stamps of Malaysia.

Sizes: Trapeziform with the following dimensions perforation to perforation in sheets of 50:
(a) Vertical - 30 mm, (b) Horizontal (at top) - 35 mm, (c) Horizontal (at bottom) - 42 mm

Printing Process: Photogravure

Design: The three stamps depict the following:
25 cents - depicts the 1867 Straits Settlements 8c stamp and the current 25c Malaysia stamp, both in actural colours.

30 cents - depicts the 1867 Straits Settlements 24c stamp and the current 30c Malaysia stamp, both in actural colours.

50 cents - depicts the 1867 Straits Settlements 32c stamp and the current 50c Malaysia stamp, both in actual colours.

Colour: All the three stamps are in multi-colours.

Paper: Unwatermarked paper

Printed by: The Government Printing Bureau of Japan

Artist: Enche Ng Peng Nam

Period of Sale: Three months from the date of issue or until stocks are exhausted whichever is earlier

 First Day Cover:

International Airport

THE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
The opening of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport in 1965 by His Majesty the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong completes a further stage in the 2nd 5-Year Development Plan being undertaken by the Government of Malaysia.

The new Airport is connected to Kuala Lumpur 14 miles away by a fast motorway which takes 20 to 30 minutes.

The opening of the new Airport means that all Air Lines will be able to include Kuala Lumpur in their schedules and it is expected that this modern Airport will become a focal point for all traffic between the East and West.

The civil engineering works were designed by the Headquarters staff of the Public Works Department who have accomplished a project of which they can be justly proud. It has been designed to incorporate modern airport development and will cater for all existing types of aircraft which may appear in the foreseeable future.

The site is ideal as there are no large obstructions in the vicinity and the orientation of the runway fits in perfectly with the main prevailing winds from the South-West and North-East. The site preparation involved the removal of a village to a new location, the clearing of 500 acres of rubber trees and the excavation of some 6.5 million cubic yards of soil.

The runway and the parallel taxiway have been constructed by Messrs. Gammon-Hawaiian Dredging-Pomeroy. The pavement comprises a layer of lime stabilized soil on the formation and bitumen bound bases and wearing surface, this type of construction being the first of its kind in this part of the world. The total area of paving is 550,000 sq. yds. A major problem in this country, with its high rainfall, is drainage and 8.5 miles of piped drains and 14.5 miles of open drains had to be provided. All areas outside those paved are turfed and amounts to 2,000,000 sq. yds. The airport complex covers 54 acres and is surrounded by a fence.

Both approaches are provided with centerline and bar lighting together with circling guideline lighting. The runway is equipped with edge and threshold bar lighting and visual slope indicators. The taxiways are equipped with centerline lighting and in certain areas edge lighting. The airport will be equipped with VOR/DME radio equipment together with an instrument landing system. It is also proposed to provide shortly, radar surveillance equipment. The navigational aids provided will enable pilots to descend through cloud to a height at which they can utilize the visual landing aids.

The terminal building and other ancillary buildings located towards the southern end of the runway were designed and the construction supervised by a Malaysian firm of Architects - Messrs. Booty Edwards & Partners. The terminal building together with the control tower form a covered area of approximately 350,000 sq. ft. The roof comprises a series of reinforced concrete hyperbolic paraboloid panels at 48 ft. square, and supported by 36 foot R.C. columns at 48 foot centres. External noise has been minimized by providing a band of air-conditioned rooms with double glazing on the side of the building adjacent to the parking apron. Rubberized flooring has been used extensively.

The ground floor of the terminal building contains offices for the Departments of Civil Aviation and Meteorology, and Airlines together with the main kitchen, electrical and air-conditioning plant. The first floor is a passenger concourse and vehicular traffic is accommodated on a covered roadway which is an integral part of the building. All check-in and ticket counters, arrival and departure halls, reception, interview and V.I.P. rooms, shops and other public facilities are located on this floor. The second floor which is of Mezzanine has two gentry rising spiral ramps sweeping up from the concourse level which serve as the principal means of access. On this floor there is an air-conditioned public observation terrace and an open air dining terrace and dance floor. The 134 ft. high control tower is a separate structure connected to the terminal building by a covered way.

This project is the largest in South East Asia and was completed in a period of 30 months at a total cost of M$52 million.

Technical Details
Special postage stamps of the 15 cents and 30 cents denominations will be issued on the 30th August, 1965 to mark the opening of the International Airport in Kuala Lumpur.

Size: Rectangular with the following dimensions perforation to perforation, in sheets of 100 - Horizontal - 36 mm, Vertical - 25 mm.

Printing Process: Photogravure

Design: The design features the International Airport Terminal Building

Colours:
15 cents - Building - grey, Sky - blue

30 cents - Building - grey, Sky - red

Paper: PTM watermarked white paper

Printed By: Messrs. Harrison and Sons Ltd., London

The stamps will be placed on sale in all the territories of Malaysia for a period of three months from the date of issue or until stocks are exhausted whichever is earlier.

First Day Cover

Definitive Postage Stamps 1965 National Series (birds)

Malaysia which came into being on the 16th September 1963, comprises of the eleven States forming the previous Federation of Malaya, (viz. Johore, Kedah, Kelantan, Malacca Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Selangor and Trengganu), Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. Singapore ceased to be a state of Malaysia from 9th August, 1965.

Malaysia covers an area of about 130,000 square miles. It occupies two distinct regions, the Malay Peninsula which extends south of Thailand from the narrow Kra isthmus to the Straits of Johore, and the north-western coastal area of the island of Borneo. The population of Malaysia numbers just over eight million people according to census and population estimate figures as at the end of 1961. The main sources of income are rubber, tin, timber and iron ore. There are, however, many other industries and crafts of importance to the country's economy. The standard of living in Malaysia and the per capita average income are among the highest in Asia.

The charm and tropical beauty of Malaysia and the variety which pervades her life provide most fascinating subjects for depicting on postage stamps. The first issue of Malaysia definitive postage stamps depicts some of the colourful birds and orchid species of Malaysia. These stamps are in two series.

The National series, which depicts birds, consists of eight denominations, viz. 25c., 30c., 50c., 75c., $1, $2, $5 and $10. These stamps, which do not bear State individuality, are common to all the thirteen States.

The State series, which depicts orchids, consists of seven denominations, viz., 1c., 2c., 5c., 6c., 10c., 15c., and 20c. These stamps bear a portrait of His Highness the Ruler of the State and/or the State Crest and the name of the State in Jawi and Roman characters. The vignette of each denomination is common to every State.

The stamps are printed by Messrs. Harrison and Sons Ltd. in multi-colour by the photogravure process on PTM watermarked paper. They measure 25 mm x 35 mm. The National and State series are in vertical and horizontal format respectively. The artist is Mr. A. Fraser-Brunner.

The birds depicted in the stamps of the National series are described in this brochure. The orchids depicted in the stamps of the State series are described in a separate brochure.


BURONG SIUL
CRESTED GREEN WOOD-PARTRIDGE
Rollulus roulroul

Small parties of these birds are not uncommon in dry lowland jungle and on well drained slopes in the hills throughout Malaysia. They feed on the ground, rarely flying for more than short distances. The call is a low melodious whistle, which rings through the trees, and gives rise to the common Malay name.

Nest is a thick bed of dry leaves, eggs white, averaging 1.45 by 1.20 ins.



MURAI GAJAH
THE FAIRY BLUEBIRD
Irena puella malayensis

A common and showy bird of the tree-tops in lowland and hills forest throughout Malaysia, where the brilliant blue of the male in flight, is a memorable sight. The normal call is a melodious double whistle - "wit-wiu". Not gregarious, but usually associated in pairs, whose movement is largely influenced by the seasonal fruiting of the trees on which they feed.

Nests are of untidy cup made of twigs, placed high up in trees.

BURONG KUNYIT BESAR
THE BLACK-NAPED ORIOLE
Oriolus chinensis maculatus

Essentially a bird of the towns and gardens of Western Malaysia, never seen in our native forests, and absent from the Borneo States.

Usually seen in the canopies of trees, where they feed on fruit, rarely descending to the ground. Flight is strong and direct, usually at tree-top level. The familiar call, frequently uttered, is a beautiful whistle - "ta-kee-you" (sometimes omitting the first syllable). The nest is commonly slung in a fork, far out on a slender branch sixty or seventy feet up in a tall tree, in park-land or orchard. It is composed of bark, twiglets, grass and roots. The colour of the egg is white, tinged with violet, sparsely spotted and blotched with purple-brown - measuring 1.27 by 0.8 ins.

ENGGANG
THE RHINOCEROS HORNBILL
Buceros rhinoceros
This magnificent bird is restricted to the tall forest of our lowlands and foothills , and because of its specialized habits is unfortunately severely threatened by expanding rural development. Where it survives it can be seen feeding on the fruits of tall trees, its normal diet. The call rather goose-like, honk. is often uttered antiphonally by a pair of birds in flight. Normally associated in pairs or small family groups, occasionally forming small flocks.

As among all hornbills, the female remains in the nest hole, the entrance to which is partially closed by a plaster of mud, during the process of incubation and for some considerable time after the eggs have hatched, being fed by the male.

Birds abound in folklore and poetry:
"Anak enggang di-kayu tinggi,
Patah ranting terbang-lah dia,
Anak dagang lama di-sini,
Sampai musim terbang-lah dia."

"On top of high tree the Enggang sits,
Away it flies when the branch breaks,
However long a foreigner may stay,
To his home land he will fly away."

MERBOK
THE BARRED GROUND-DOVE
Geopelia striata

A common bird of open country and villages, and a favourite pet of Malaysians. Regular contests are held when the singing powers of caged birds are matched, and large side-bets may be placed. In the wild, these doves feed mostly on the ground.

Nests are small and flimsy platforms of stick built in trees. Eggs white, measuring 0.9 by 0.65 ins.

KUANG
ARGUS PHEASANT
Argusianus argus
An inhabitant of tall forest, preferring the well drained slopes of the foothills, throughout Malaysia. Shy and seldom seen, but usually betrayed by its powerful call, either a double - "wak-wau", or a long series of plaintive single notes, each rising imperceptibly in tone.

The males maintain so-called "dancing-ground", small clearings which are kept scrupulously clean and free from debris, to which they repair to call and display. This habit renders the Argus Pheasant vulnerable to poachers, and already over much of Malaysia, this unique and beautiful bird has disappeared from its ancient haunts.

MURAI EKOR GADING
PARADISE FLYCATCHER
Terpsiphone paradisi affinis
This beautiful bird is found in the forest of lowlands and foothills throughout the country. In flight the long tail-streamers of the male flutter like a length of still ribbon.

Nests usually are placed about six feet from the ground in a fork of a slender sapling. They are deep cups of moss, lined with dead grass or fibre. The eggs are glossy, the ground colour is faintly pink, sparsely spotted with reddish-brown and blotched with salmon-pink, measuring about 0.8 by 0.6 ins.

BURONG PACHAT
THE BANDED PITTA
Pitta guajana
Pittas are shy birds of the forest floor and undergrowth, disappearing with a flash of brilliant colour at the least sign of danger.

The Banded Pitta is not uncommon locally in the drier lowland jungle of the north. It appears to prefer the vicinity of limestone hills (probably because of the profusions of small snails on which it feeds).

First Day Cover

Date of Issue: 1965-09-09