Kudat becomes first capital
Published on: Saturday, April 02, 2022
By: British North Borneo Herald
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Kudat old jetty and Customs building in 1950s.
THE plan looked good on paper. With its good harbour and its position at the northern tip of Borneo, the British colonial government hopes Kudat would become a major port for ships plying routes between Europe and China.
Kudat was thus, declared capital of British North Borneo.
Alas, things did not work out as desired and in 1883, the capital was moved to another coastal town on the eastern side - Sandakan.
Nevertheless, Kudat is to this day, still remembered as the first state capital.
This town is said to have gotten its name from the language of the Binadans, natives of the area.
According to one account, the sound of a ship’s horn sent the Binadans running away in panic and shouting “takuddat aku” (I am scared). Takuddat was subsequently shortened to Kudat, so the story goes.
Asrama Kinabalu is handed over to UM
Dec 18,1987
AS part of its contribution toward a comfortable and conducive environment for university students. Yayasan Sabah donated a hostel names Asrama Kinabalu to University Malaya.
The foundation spent $12 million on the hostel which can accommodate about 600 students.
First Kadazan priest ordained
Dec 13, 1966
FATHER Augustine Amandus of Limbahau, Papar, became the first Kadazan to be ordained by the Catholic Church of Sabah. The solemnities were held at the St Mary’s School field, also in Papar.
Fr Amandus, the eldest of five children, was born in Jan 7, 1938.
Girl Guides building opened
Dec 15, 1962
THE Sandakan branch of the Girl Guides Association officially took possession of their new headquarters at Darby Road. Construction of the building was made possible with the help of several private companies and the Rotary Club of Sandakan.
Assoc for ex-policemen
Dec 16,1975
THE Sabah Ex-policemen’s Association was formed. In a meeting at the Operations Room, Kepaya Police Headquarters, Kota Kinabalu, Mr Abdul Kadir Baba was chosen to be the first chairman and Mr Piting Haji Ali, vice-president.
First small test for politicians
Dec 16, 1962
LOCAL politicians were put to their first small test with the holding of the first ever Local Government (District Council) elections in North Borneo (Sabah).
In some areas, polling was held over two or three days, with ballot boxes being brought to the remotest parts under the jurisdiction of the respective local authorities.
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