THE debate over which date should be recognised as the true independence day for Sabah and Sarawak has sparked differing interpretations of history, with prominent regional figures voicing their opinions.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, has been advocating for August 31, 1963 to be recognised as "Sabah Day," marking the formal end of British colonial rule and the start of self-governance. On this date, the British administration granted autonomy to the state, allowing Sabah's Legislative Assembly to convene under local leadership for the first time.
"It is crucial that we celebrate this day as 'Sabah Day' to honour our history and reinforce our sovereignty," Kitingan said. He argued that this recognition would also help counter foreign claims to Sabah, particularly from the Philippines, which continues to assert historical rights to the territory based on its ties to the Sulu Sultanate.
However, Sarawak-based Adjunct Professor Jayum Jawan presents a different view, suggesting that 15th August 1945—the date of Japan's surrender in World War II – should be recognised as the true independence day for both Sabah and Sarawak. "This date represents the end of Japanese occupation and the start of our journey towards self-governance and independence," Jayum said, noting that the occupation had a lasting impact on the region, despite political structures not yet being fully established.
Sarawak officially recognises July 22, 1963 as its independence day, marking the moment when the British government granted the state self-governance. This date, now celebrated as Sarawak Day, is seen as the beginning of Sarawak’s autonomy, although the state remained under British control until the formation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963.
Similarly, Sabah gazetted August 31 as "Sabah Day" in June 2024, reflecting a broader regional debate on how history should be commemorated.
The ongoing debate highlights the complexities of Sabah and Sarawak's historical narratives and their struggle for identity and sovereignty, particularly in the context of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), which laid the foundation for the formation of Malaysia and guaranteed certain rights and autonomy to these states. – August 31, 2024.
