TAMBUNAN: The District-level Independence Month celebration kicked off with a lively Inter-Department Futsal Tournament at the District’s Sports Complex, Saturday.
Deputy Chief Minister cum State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Jeffrey G. Kitingan, who is also Keningau MP and Tambunan Assemblyman, officiated the event.
He commended the organising committee led by District Officer Sobitun Makajil, with support from the Youth and Sports Ministry, saying such tournaments not only promote a healthy lifestyle but also foster camaraderie and teamwork among civil servants.
“Independence Month is not only about patriotic songs or raising the Jalur Gemilang and Sabah flag, but also about activities like this that cultivate unity and love for the nation,” he said.
Jeffrey also reminded the crowd of Sabah’s historic moment on August 8, 1963, when state leaders demanded independence before the formation of Malaysia.
This led to the proclamation of August 31, 1963, as Sabah Independence Day, now also celebrated as Sabah Day.
“On August 31, we celebrate not only Malaya’s Independence Day but also Sabah Day. Fly both the Sabah flag and Jalur Gemilang with pride as a symbol of unity,” he said.
He further emphasised that sportsmanship outweighs winning, saying participation, discipline, and team spirit were the real measures of success.
The ceremony continued with the presentation of souvenirs to honoured guests before Jeffrey performed a symbolic kick-off to mark the start of the tournament, which gathered teams from various government departments across Tambunan.
