KOTA KINABALU – Sabahans celebrated the reinstatement of Sabah Day yesterday, commemorating the significant step the state took towards self-determination and independence from British colonial rule 60 years ago.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor revealed that the reinstatement of Sabah Day was not a straightforward process, but it was nevertheless a vital one for the people to fully grasp its importance.
Indeed, the effort to reinstate Sabah Day is a lengthy narrative that, in recent years, has stirred debate among many, including political leaders in Sabah, previously known as North Borneo under British colonial rule.
What transpired over the past 60 years is a precious chapter of history that should not be forgotten, he duly noted.
“It should be preserved so that we remember our past, including the establishment of Sabah’s inaugural government, as recognised by law and constitution.
“The British paved the way for us to shape our own future, and this path was opened without conflict or bloodshed,” he said.
The establishment of the state government and constitution laid the groundwork for Malaysia’s formation, uniting Sabah, Sarawak, and Malaya.
“...Six decades have now passed until the decision to revive Sabah Day.
“As the English saying goes, it is better late than never,” he said in his Sabah Day speech held in Tambunan.
While Malaya gained its independence from the British on August 31, 1957, Sabah had gained its own on the same date in 1963.
Sabah’s independence marked the establishment of a de facto self-government in Sabah in 1963.
But this lasted for 16 days prior to it joining Malaya, Sarawak and Singapore to form the Malaysian federation on September 16, 1963.
Singapore would later exit the federation two years later.
Declaration by British North Borneo governor
However, questions have been raised in recent times about whether Sabah had truly attained independence or just self-governance.
Realising this, Hajiji explained that this was among the reasons the state has decided to reintroduce the Sabah Day celebrations.
“Sabah Day was celebrated in several Sabah districts on August 31, 1963 and later followed by Malaysia Day on September 16, 1963.
“However, over time, Sabah Day seemed to be overshadowed by the National Day (Merdeka Day as it was known before) on the same day,” he said.
Previously, September 16, or Malaysia Day, was also recognised as the head of state’s official birthday.
It could not be ascertained how these important dates had been substituted.
Setting the record straight, Sabah Day was declared by British North Borneo Governor Sir William Goode on August 28, 1963 in Jesselton – now known as Kota Kinabalu – and with self-rule.
Sabah would have its own government and new constitution, which was to come into force on August 31, 1963.
Goode had also instructed all Sabah districts to hold the Sabah Day celebrations, Hajiji explained.
The positive development involved in Sabah Day was also linked to the commission of enquiry called the Cobbold Commission to determine whether the people of North Borneo and Sarawak supported the creation of the Malaysian federation.
“The majority of Sabah people agreed to the formation of Malaysia through this survey,” he said.
The outcome of the commission’s survey played a role in designating Wisma Radio in Karamunsing as a state heritage building in 2017 because it was one of the venues for the commission’s inquiries with Sabah’s people at the time.
“Hence, the Sabah government’s decision today to hold Sabah Day was to mark the end of British rule akin to our neighbouring state, Sarawak, which had already marked Sarawak Day on July 22,” Hajiji said.
‘An independent nation’
Meanwhile, Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan maintained that Sabah has become an independent nation, regardless of whether some parties acknowledged it.
He said August 31, 1963 was when the British colonial rule ended and local leaders took the reins to the government and developed Sabah.
“Our forefathers, serving as elected lawmakers and true representatives of the people, made a unanimous resolution on August 8, 1963, to exercise self-determination and declare Sabah independent on August 31, irrespective of whether Malaysia would be formed on that date,” he said.
“This decision was in complete accordance with United Nations Principle 1541.”
Sabah was thus born as a nation-state on August 31, complete with its own flag, national anthem, and constitution.
Historical Sabah records show the North Borneo Legislative Council sitting on August 8, 1963 with chief minister designate Donald Stephens requesting the suspension of the house’s standing orders to introduce an emergency motion to reconfirm the council’s prior decision that Sabah would achieve independence by joining Malaysia on August 31, 1963.
Goode, who served as the council’s president, granted permission for the motion, which also saw the motion passed.
Goode declared on August 28, 1963, that Sabah would achieve self-governance, announcing Sabah Day, even though Malaysia would not become a reality on August 31, 1963.
The delay in Malaysia’s formation was attributed to the United Nations (UN) mission in Sabah and Sarawak, which could not be concluded by August 31, 1963.
But it was noted a significant number of Sabahans wanted Sabah to attain independence prior to the formation of Malaysia in the UN mission report.
An amendment to the Malaysia Agreement 1963 – the only amendment made – was introduced and was signed in London, United Kingdom on July 9, 1963, substituting the date August 31, 1963, with September 16, 1963. – The Vibes, September 1, 2023
