THE people from the State capital and neighbouring towns and villages before the sunrise on 16 Sept. 1963. .

What course the region’s history would have taken had Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore teamed up after the declaration of independence on August 31, 1963 instead of joining to form Malaysia on September 16, 1963.

The truth remains that on Aug, 31 1957 Malaysia did not exist. Malaysia was born on Sept 16, 1963. Malaysia, therefore, is only 44 years old. .

1962: One of the heroes of the Brunei rebellion, North Borneo policeman Bittie, was buried with full honours at Kampung Totu in Tuaran.

OCTOBER 30 1980: Education Minister Datuk Musa Hitam said efforts were being made to check the decline in the standard of English in schools.

AUGUST 4 1965: Education Minister Mohammed Khir Johari announced free primary education in both Sabah and Sarawak with the abolition of fees in government and government-aided primary schools effective Jan. 1, 1966.

October 12 1970: Tunku Abdul Rahman said five monuments being built in Sabah in honour of Malaysian leaders are a symbol of ties between West and East Malaysia.

AUGUST 5 Yeh urges Chinese unity in Sabah 1963: Bunap member Yeh Pao Tzu  (pic) reminded Chinese in North Borneo that only through unity could they hope to save their future in the soon-to-be-formed Malaysia.

Mustapa steps down Oct 31, 1975 Tun Datu Mustapha bin Datu Harun (pic) stepped down at 57 as Chief Minister of Sabah, a post he had held since May 11. 1967.He remained head of Usno and the Sabah Alliance. Usno was ousted from power the following year by a newly-formed party, Berjaya. .

OCTOBER 15 1980: Chief, Minister Datuk Harris launched the Sabah Foundation Milk Distribution scheme for students in primary schools in the State – the first such programme in the country.