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Knock NOC

The International Affairs Sub-committee is to investigate the affairs of the National Operations Council in Malaysia and report to SRC.

At SRC on 25 March, Mr Lee moved: "That VUWSA strongly advocate the immediate abolition of the National Operations Council in Malaysia and call upon the Malaysian government to resume the suspended elections of Sabah and Sarawak, so as to enable the Malaysian Parliament to be reinstated."

Mr Lee spoke of the situation in Malaysia since the inception of the NOC. "It was set up last year in place of parliament and governs by decree," he said.

"It has been in operation for ten months and there is no indication that it will be abolished."

Mr Lee alleged at SRC that the government was completely arbitary and oppressive. "A person speaking against the government can be heavily fined. The NOC had used teargas at university meetings and has removed peasant farmers from land which they have cleared for themselves," he said.

He claimed that New Zealanders should be interested and concerned about the NOC. Mr Lee said, "New Zealand is defending Malaysia. Arms that New Zealand has sent to Malaysia are now being used to keep the NOC in power."

Mr John Eade intimated that he would like this matter to come up at Easter Council, but stated that he realized this was a complex and delicate matter which would require some considerable study.

The motion was tabled by the SRC and referred for consideration to the International Affairs Committee.

At Easter Council the topic was discussed informally among delegates to the International Commission where it was received enthusiastically. Members expressed support for Vic's stand and the matter was concluded on the understanding that Vic would present the motion with full documentation as a remit for Winter Council.