KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has decided to commemorate the end of Britain’s colonial rule on Aug 31, 1963, by celebrating “Sabah Day” for the first time in 60 years. The historic day was previously overshadowed by the National Day celebrations, with little recognition of its significance as the date when Sabah, known as North Borneo at the time, was granted self-rule before the formation of Malaysia. Political analyst Tony Paridi Bagang believes that the recognition of Sabah Day reflects the state’s autonomy in the Federation and may prompt a reevaluation of the historical facts surrounding the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.
Bagang, a senior lecturer at the Sabah UiTM campus, suggests that the marking of Sabah Day is long overdue and represents a shift in Sabahans’ perception of their own history, similar to Sarawak Day on July 22. This year, Sabah will hold its state-level National Day celebration on Aug 31 before heading to Tambunan to commemorate Sabah Day. Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced the decision to celebrate Sabah Day, emphasizing its importance as a historical milestone marking the end of British colonial rule and the establishment of self-rule.
Bagang points out that whether this celebration will lead to a change in the narrative of Malaysia’s formation depends on the current Federal Government’s commitment to honoring Sabah’s position within the country and the Malaysia Agreement 1963. Historically, the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, consisting of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, and Sabah, was scheduled for Aug 31, 1963, to coincide with Malaya’s independence. However, objections from the Philippines and Indonesia caused a delay, and Malaysia was ultimately formed on Sept 16, 1963. Sabah Day was not celebrated during the first three decades of Malaysia but was later championed by Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) to coincide with Malaysia Day on Sept 16.
In 2014, the Federal government made Sept 16 a public holiday at the request of then Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak. Najib explained that Aug 31 would be celebrated as Merdeka Day to commemorate the struggle for independence, while Malaysia Day would focus on unity, understanding, achievements, and the country’s socio-cultural fabric. The celebration of Sabah Day and its recognition as a significant historical event will serve as a litmus test for the current Prime Minister’s dedication to fulfilling and honoring the state’s role within Malaysia.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
