NABAWAN: Sabah Day, which has been gazetted by the State Government on June 5 2024 had long been proposed to be celebrated on Aug 31.

Senator Datuk Bobbey Suan said this is because Sabah also gained independence from British colonial rule on Aug 31 1963, before the formation of Malaysia.

He said Malaysia was formed by the Malay Federation (Peninsula), Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore on Sept 16, 1963.

“This means we (Sabah) were already independent of British colonialism before Malaysia was formed. Therefore, it is appropriate that we celebrate Sabah Day on Aug 31,” he said, after officiating the District-level Kembara Gemilang Jalur Gemilang (KMJG) campaign at the District Council Open Hall, here.