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SABAH TIMES (January 1982) - TONIGHT, December 3 l , 1981 is a historical night. It not only marks the conclusion of the year but it also put on record the history of Sabah from the past to the present.As we all know, Sabah has existed as a territory since a long time ago. Nonetheless the history of Sabah as a political unit or a State started only a hundred years ago. Hence we celebrated Sabah 100th anniversary or Sabah’s Centenary, this year. Indeed the better recorded and commonly known history of Sabah began with the establishment of the North Borneo Chartered Company administration in 1881. The past one hundred years had brought about four different eras in the history of our State: namely the era of the Chartered Company, the era of the Japanese Occupation, the era of the British Colony, and the era of the Independent Sabah within Malaysia. Many an episode, sweet and sour, of changes, of development, and of progress had occurred during the period. In order to know more about and to commemorate our history in the past one hundred years, a historical book compiled by our own writers from Sabah and Malaysia in general has been completed. The book, Commemorative History of Sabah, 1881-1981, was written with a seriousness of purpose and it records in detail all major events which took place in the history of our state uptill now. In concluding the history of our first century in 1981, we had thought about and endeavoured to streamline the system of governing, administrating and implementing, in Sabah in a more comprehensive, smooth, and orderly manner. With such objectives, therefore, the State administration was further enhanced with the creation of new Government departments and agencies, and the appointment of better qualified officers who were posted to the more important and responsible jobs.

In the State Legislative Assembly, we had passed some enactment which were also aimed at streamlining and strengthening the administration of the State. While taking steps to ensure that our economic sources could be utilised in a prudent manner we had since five years ago. Industrialisation constitutes another important sector of the Sabah economy. Hence the Sabah Government will continue its effort in developing industries, based on the resources that we have especially timber, gas and kerosene (which we should be able to utilised on a larger scale and in a cheaper way), copper and other minerals which we hope could be exploited in the future, and marine resources. This will create employment opportunities, provide technical expertise and related matters, contain inflation and rising cost of living as well as expediting economic growth in a healthy manner for Sabah. The Sabah Government has also endeavoured to improve social amenities for the people by requesting for more medical and health facilities, education and social welfare services from the Federal Government. Efforts towards this end will be continued so that the people of Sabah could continue to live in prosperity, peace and progress in the future. In our effort to develop Sabah, and as a State within Malaysia, the State Government has been in close rapport with the Federal Government. Every positive step towards unifying the people of Malaysia will be supported by us. We must remain united in order to maintain our integrity, good image, and the dignity and sovereignty of our Nation. We therefore fully support and welcome the common time zone for Malaysia which will come into force only a few minutes away. It is hoped that this common time zone for the whole Nation will speed up the process of national integration among the people of Malaysia. In conjunction with the conclusion of Sabah’s first one hundred years and the beginning of a new century, in 1982, the State Government had decided to introduce a new Slate flag and crest at mid-night tonight. Allow me to say that the idea and necessity of having a new State flag and crest for Sabah is not entirely new. Actually, almost three years ago had the State Government started thinking on such a move. However, it was felt that it would be more ideal and appropriate to introduce the new State flag and crest at a time when Sabah is coming to an end of its first century and beginning of its second century, by hoisting the new State flag and launching the new State crest for Sabah on this historical night. The State Secretary, Datuk Haji Abdul Hamid Egoh, has last night through the television explained the design and meanings of the new State flag and crest. As such, there is no need for me to reiterate the good significance of both the new State flag and crest here again tonight.

Nevertheless, I wish to remind all the people that the choice for the new State flag and crest was made carefully and systematically. The State Cabinet had approved them, and what we must also remember is that a motion for the introduction of both was tabled in the State Legislative Assembly and was passed unanimously after debates.

In short, the new State flag and crest had been accepted and endorsed by us through our respective Assemblymen in the State Assembly. Mount Kinabalu continues to be held in high esteem through the titles of the various State decorations and awards. Therefore there is no further need to question the new State flag and crest.

The intentions of adopting the new State flag and crest are good as well as to strengthen the position and dignity of our Independent State within Malaysia. Hence, I call on all the people to accept the new State flag and crest with pride, irrespective of their political affiliations, creed or whichever section of the community.