Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Independence Day should be included in history books so that the people, especially non-Sabahans, have the correct facts about the State’s place in the Federation of Malaysia, a young Sabah political leader suggests.
Deputy Chief Exco Wiramuda StarSabah, Prem Kitingan, said in a statement that this is also necessary so that the nation and Sabah can move forward.
“Recognising Sabah’s Independence Day is a step in the right direction to restore the missing part of history prior to the formation of Malaysia.
“The struggles our President, Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan with notable political parties such as SAPP, NGOs PIPA (Pertubuhan Peningkatan Pendidikan Rakyat Sabah) and all the people who fought that the Sabah Government to recognise Sabah’s Independence Day have finally shed some light. An invaluable effort and a win for all the people in Sabah,” he said.
SPONSORED CONTENT Daily Express members: Enjoy 1 for 1 signature cocktails and more at Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu: DAILY EXPRESS is partnering with Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu to offer an exclusive deal for our members. Read more For the first time in 60 years, Sabah will officially mark its Independence Day on Aug 31. The state will celebrate its inaugural “Sabah Day” in Tambunan.
Sabah subsequently formed the Federation of Malaysia with Malaya, Sarawak and Singapore on Sept 16, 1963.
“The sheer will and the determination and strong political presence of Yang Berhomat Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan in the Government, who has been consistent with the struggles in more than 30 years to protect and recover Sabah’s rights.
“This finally proves his sincerity in his struggles and even after being in the government in just 3 years. Made this attainable.
“This is a milestone for StarSabah, Sabah Government and a testament to the people that StarSabah in GRS (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah) is for the people of Sabah,” said Prem.
Touching on the significance of Sabah Day to the people of Sabah, Prem said: “Sabah now has recognised its own identity, an independent nation within Malaysia together with Malaya and Sarawak.
This will help empower the people of Sabah to come together in solidarity to build the nation stronger together.
“The people of Sabah will have more political will, a strong sense of awareness of its rights in Malaysia, where we can demand more for our rights and the importance to emphasis that Malaya, Sabah, and Sarawak are equal partners that formed Malaysia.
60 years is long overdue, and Yang Berhomat Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan successfully managed to do it in 3 years in the Government.”
He proposed the Sabah Independence Day be included in the history books so that not only Sabahans are aware of this but the whole Malaysians.
“By correcting history, then the nation and Sabah can move forward.
He then congratulates to the Sabah Government, Chief Minister, and Deputy Chief Minister for finally recognising the importance of Sabah’s Independence Day and its history and Wishes Happy 60th Independence Day to all Sabahans,” he added.
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