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THE Sabah Day celebration is proof of Sabahans’ spirit for freedom from colonialists and to not recognise any external demands on the State, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.

He said the sovereignty of Sabah in the Federation of Malaysia cannot be questioned because the people of the State have chosen to form a nation together.

“Sabah Day which is celebrated together with National Day on August 31 is historical. It is proof of the spirit of patriotism of Sabahans who got freedom from colonialists because Sabah is part of Malaysia.

“The future of Sabah lies in our hands, so let’s come together, especially the youth, to gather energy, join hands and try our best to ensure the State continues to progress and prosper and its people remain united.

“The Government will continue to strive to improve the standard of living, education system, develop better infrastructure and ensure balanced development throughout the State,” he said during the 2024 Sabah Day Celebration at Padang Merdeka in Kota Kinabalu on Aug 31.

The Chief Minister said Sabah Day is also to appreciate and remember the long journey to achieve independence.

“Our goal is clear, which is to prioritise the interests and wellbeing of the people. We believe, with a close relationship with the Federal Government, it will facilitate all matters including those involving the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63), or other matters related to development and nationhood,” he said.

Hajiji said the State Government would continue the Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya development policies in line with the spirit of Malaysia Madani which wants a rapidly developing country, that plays a high role at the global level and at the same time becomes a respected country.

“In fact, Sabah’s investor-friendly leadership style has made the State an interest for foreign and domestic investors who also provide job opportunities.

“Sabah received investments amounting to RM11.34 billion across various sectors in 2023 and has made almost RM7 billion in state revenue in the same year.

“Now, the State Government is exploring the potential of the Blue Economy involving exploration of marine treasures as a new economic resource as well as products that can be produced from the industry.

“The exploration is a continuous and aggressive effort to increase economic growth in addition to existing resources,” he said.

Sabah Head of State Tun Juhar Mahirudin graced the 2024 Sabah Day Celebration. Also present were his wife Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni and the Chief Minister’s wife, Datin Seri Juliah Salag.

The declaration of Sabah Day on Aug 31 was gazetted by the State Government in June. It marked the day when the territory was granted self-government status 16 days prior to the formation of Malaysia by Sabah, Sarawak, Malaya and Singapore.

The emergency motion to declare the day as such was passed in the North Borneo Legislative Council with the support of the last colonial Governor Sir William Goode on August 8 of the same year.

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan in his speech hoped Sabah Day and Malaysia Day would be included in the school syllabus.

“It is important that this ‘dropped out’ important piece of Sabah’s history complete the knowledge of the people and leaders of Sabah and answer questions that have been difficult to answer all this time.

“This knowledge will also give our people and leaders confidence and pride for fighting for our rights and our future,” he said.

Dr Jeffrey, who is also Deputy Chief Minister I, said with the complete history of Sabah’s existence as a nation, an independent country before the existence of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963, people can understand why “we are in Sabah and Sarawak have our own national anthems.

“Respect our national anthem and also respect the Sabah Flag together with the Jalur Gemilang and Malaysian anthem,” he said.