KOTA KINABALU – Calls have been growing for the Sabah government to gazette August 31 as Sabah Day to commemorate the state’s self-governance and for some, independence.
Veteran politician Datuk Mohd Noor Mansoor today reiterated the same call, calling for leaders in Sabah to “act more boldly” to gazette the auspicious day.
“If Sarawak can proudly celebrate July 22 every year since 2016 as Sarawak Day, why not us with Sabah Day?”
Mansoor was formerly state finance minister during the Berjaya era, and is currently linked to Sabah Progressive Party as an adviser.
Recalling the events on August 31, 1963, Mansoor said the last North Borneo British governor Sir William Goode coined Sabah Day to commemorate Sabah’s self-governance and independence, marking the end of British rule.
Meanwhile, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan said he is optimistic that Sabah Day will be an official celebration in 2022.
“Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor basically agreed with the proposed gazetting of Sabah Day and so did the other cabinet members,” said Jeffrey.
He also said the proposal paper was in the process of being finalised and would be tabled in the cabinet for further action.
SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee said he has high hopes and confidence that Sabah Day will be gazetted.
“Sabah Day is the struggle of all of us. 2023 is one of the greatest challenges, the 60th diamond jubilee celebration of Sabah Day. Hopefully we will be able to celebrate it on a large scale throughout Sabah.”
Yong called on activists to continue their efforts to educate the community on the history of Sabah and work hard to promote Sabah Day.
The Vibes had earlier reported that several Sabah leaders have also expressed support to the call to observe Sabah Day. – The Vibes, September 1, 2021
