Malaysia monument gift by the Chinese
Published on: Saturday, April 23, 2022
By: Dailly Express
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NOVEMBER 14
1963: Head of State Datu Mustapha bin Datu Harun unveiled the Malaysia monument (pic) built by the Chinese community to mark the birth of Malaysia.
It cost $11,000 and is situated in front of the Keng Chew Association in Charter Street, Jesselton.
When Malaysia was around the corner, the sponsoring associations began planning a suitable way to mark its birth. Several proposals were considered, among them temporary arches to scholarship foundations.
When the proposal to erect a permanent monument was agreed upon, it was just 20 days before Malaysia Day (Sept 16). But it was completed on time and the lights were turned on the first evening of the Malaysia celebrations.
NOVEMBER 8
Filipino Mayor flees to Sandakan after armed raid
1962: The Mayor of the Philippines island of Taganak, Timbayan Anam, reached Sandakan in a Kumpit accompanied by his family, the island’s police chief and four constables after 20 armed men raided the island.
Timbayan asked Sandakan police for help upon arriving and Sandakan police responded by cabling the Filipino garrison at Bongao, Tawi Tawi, for reinforcements to be rushed to Taganak, 18 miles east of Sandakan.
Taganak, a boundary island between North Borneo (Sabah) and the Philippines, was once under the Chartered Company’s rule until the Philippines attained independence.
It sits on the route normally followed by traders from the Sulu islands.
Building for ex-Sabah cops
1978: Head of State Datuk Mohammad Adnan Robert declared open the ex-Policemen’s Association Malaysia building at the Sinsuran shop complex.
The building which cost $145,800 was donated by the Sabah Government.
NOVEMBER 9
Nuns bid farewell after long service in Sabah
1966: Two nuns of the Franciscan Order - Rev. Mother M Vianney of Holland and and Rev. Sister M Elizabeth of Ireland – left Sabah on retirement after spending almost their lifetimes in Sarawak and Sabah.
Vianney was posted to Sarawak in 1912 and transferred to Sandakan in 1937. She was among those interned by the Japanese in Kuching during the Occupation. After the war she was posted back to Limbahau where she worked with the Kadazans and in the convents of Labuan, Sandakan, Jesselton and Penampang.
Elizabeth came to Sabah in 1928 and served in Penampang, Limbahau, Toboh and Labuan. She was also interned by the Japanese.
NOVEMBER 10
Defector visits constituency under heavy police guard
1967: Newly-appointed Social Welfare Minister Payar Juman visited his Kiulu constituency to explain why he crossed over from Upko to the Sabah Alliance. He was under heavy police escort. Earlier Upko supporters demonstrated against Juman’s decision to cross over. Upko also called on him to resign from his State Assembly seat but he refused. Juman stood as an Upko candidate in the elections in April and defeated an Usno and two Independent candidates.
In September he quit Upko saying the people would be better served if he was an Independent Assemblyman. However, on Nov. 1, he announced he had joined the Sabah Alliance and was made Social Welfare Minister within 24 hours.
NOVEMBER 12
Tempasuk bailey bridge opened
1962: Governor Sir William Goode opened the 520-ft Tempasuk bailey bridge at Kota Belud.
He noted that the bridge was completed in three months. The project was jointly undertaken by the No 11 Independent Field Squadron of the Royal Engineers and the Public Works Department.
Goode said the squadron was leaving behind not only the fine bridge as a lasting reminder but also a rest house for TB patients in Kota Belud.
The four span bridge is believed to be one of the longest bailey bridges in South-east Asia.
Sabah student shines in sports Down Under
1965: A 19-year-old Sabah athlete, Monggoh Orow of Tuaran, put Borneo on the map in Australian school athletics by winning a string of titles.
Monggoh, one of 10 Sabah students in Australia under the Colombo Plan, won the open 440 yards, 120 yards hurdles, 220 yards and javelin. He also came second in the 100 yards sprint and became champion athlete of the Toowoomba Grammar School, the first overseas student to win such honour in Queensland.
Remembrance Day ceremonies at War Memorial
1967: Jesselton observed Remembrance Day with a ceremonial parade and service at the War memorial, built in remembrances of the sacrifices of the dead of two world wars.
It was officiated by Minister of Local Government Dato Pang Tet Shung, who also laid a wreath on behalf of the State Government. Wreaths were also laid by the State Puisine judge, Permanent Secretary to the Chief Minister, Federal Secretary, Police Commissioner, President of the Ex-Servicemen’s Association, two visiting Australian ex-Servicemen and other dignitaries.
The war Memorial was originally situated in the heart of the town’s business district at Gaya Street before being moved to its present location along Jalan Pantai (formerly Neil Malcolm Street).
A similar ceremony also took place at the Sandakan War Memorial.
Kampung Air market debate
1966: A proposed market for Kampung Air was once again the subject of a heated debate during a Jesselton Town Council meeting. The market was requested by the Kg Air Traders Association.
The issue was discussed at almost every Board meeting without any indication that it would materialise.
The Councillors were shocked when divisional Engineer LD Jenkins disclosed that reclamation of one acre of sea will cost the Board some $400,000, excluding construction of the building.
Jesselton District Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board, T Mackie, suggested that a study be made to ascertain whether there was need for such a market.
Anglican church consecrated
1967: The new St Andrews Anglican church in Tuaran was consecrated by Bishop of Jesselton Rt Rev. Roland Koh.
The important part of the ceremony was a blessing given by Rev. Koh and Roman Catholic Bishop of Jesselton Rt Rev. Dr James Buis who recited the prayers together.
The Government contributed $50,000 towards the building.
First annual Tamu Besar
1966: Head of State Dato Pengiran Haji Ahmad Raffae opened the Jesselton Rural District Council’s first annual Tamu Besar (bazaar) in Donggongon.
He hoped that future Tamu Besars would be held on a larger scale because the Government is building more roads.
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