SANDAKAN – Sabah is celebrating its officially gazetted independence day today, commemorating the end of British rule on August 31, 1963 after 60 years. However, this celebration has sparked a debate over the timing of Sabah’s true independence.
Previously, Malaysians and many Sabahans believed that the country gained independence on August 31, 1957, due to widespread coverage of the annual celebration on national TV since the 1990s.
However, most Sabahans generally consider August 31, as being more aligned with Peninsular Malaysia, suggesting that Sabah’s celebration should be on Malaysia Day – September 16.
Unlike Sarawak, which celebrated its independence on July 22 since 2016, Sabah had not designated a specific day to mark its independence.
So, when was Sabah’s independence day?
The answer is more complicated than a mere date as even Google is struggling to provide a definitive answer.
Historians have emphasised that Sabah never attained full independence but rather achieved self-governance in 1963.
Renowned MA63 (Malaysia Agreement 1963) historian and researcher, Remy Majangkim, said no official document supports Sabah’s independence.
Instead, in 1963, the British entrusted the Federation of Malaya to oversee the decolonisation process via the Malaysia Act Chapter 35, with Malaya enacting the Malaysia Act no. 26.
“The Malaysia Act Chapter 35, enacted by the British government on July 31, 1963, represents self-government and a step towards self-determination, not an independence bill,” he told Scoop.
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Historian Bilcher Bala agreed, saying that August 31, 1963, marked the day Sabah attained self-government from the British, which is distinct from independence.
From August 31, 1963, to September 16, 1963, Sabah existed as a self-governing entity, he added.
Nonetheless, he believes it is reasonable to celebrate Sabah Day on August 31. This commemorates the unity and understanding among past Sabah leaders and citizens that led to self-governance and a form of independence through the formation of Malaysia.
Senator Datuk Donald Mojuntin recently dispelled the misconception that Sabah was an independent nation before joining Malaysia.
“North Borneo was never an independent country. Historically, Sabah was a de facto independent nation between August 31, 1963 and September 16, 1963.”
This underscores the ambiguity surrounding the term “independence” in the context of Sabah. Sabah did attain a degree of independence via the decolonisation process, but historians argue that “self-governance” is a more accurate term.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan, however, is comfortable using the term “independence” to describe Sabah Day.
Kitingan, also Sabah Star president, had advocated for many years for August 31 to be designated as Sabah Day.
He added that historical archives showed that on August 8, 1963, the North Borneo Legislative Assembly unanimously declared Sabah’s independence on August 31, 1963.
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Inaugural Sabah Day
Last week, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor announced the inaugural Sabah Day celebration in Tambunan, an interior district about 100km from state capital Kota Kinabalu.
Yet, in Sandakan, a district on the east coast, the spirit of Sabah Day seemed subdued.
Online comments indicated that many were unaware of the state’s first Sabah Day celebration, as August 31 had previously been a public holiday for National Day.
In Sandakan town, only a few Jalur Gemilang and Sabah flags were visible on the eve of Sabah Day – in stark contrast to Sarawak, where Jalur Gemilang and Sarawak flags adorned nearly every corner of major cities like Kuching and Miri in July and August.
History enthusiast and founder of the Sandakan Heritage Trail, Lai King Hang, suggested that a lack of historical appreciation among the populace might be responsible for this.
Lai said the need to instil patriotic values, especially in today’s youth. He proposed reintroducing local history education in schools, which was discontinued in the mid-1960s.
He also recommended establishing history clubs in schools to nurture an appreciation for Sabah history and heritage.
“Without knowing our roots, the young people of today are unable to comprehend the sacrifices of our forefathers, who worked tirelessly in a multicultural and multireligious environment to make this land a better place to prosper.
“The declaration of Sabah Day is a day to renew our spirit of nationhood and a reminder to all, especially the young people, about our state’s unique culture and heritage.
“As a nation established in the spirit of oneness and a sense of belonging as envisioned by our founding leaders 60 years ago, it is time to evoke the love of nationalism and celebrate the feeling of unity based on our common past as people of Sabah.” – August 31, 2023