Joint National Day-Sabah Day celebrations a mark of unity, says Hajiji

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will see a momentous National Day celebration this year with Sabah Day being observed simultaneously here in the state.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said since Sabah Day was gazetted last June, plans have been afoot to make its commemoration a wonderful one with the National Day.

“I hope there will be no confusion on this especially in the context of National Day celebrations with Sabah Day, as Aug 31 will be another mark of unity among our people as we work together to build up our beloved state,” he added.

He said this when launching the National Day, Sabah Day and Kempen Kibar Bendera at the City Hall compound here on Thursday (Aug 1).

Hajiji said Sabah Day is important as it marked the end of the British colonisation of Sabah on Aug 31, 1963, prior to the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16 that same year.

“Malaysians, especially the younger generation, need to understand this part of history well, and most importantly it should drive us to work harder for a better future for Sabah,” he said.

Themed Malaysia Madani: Jiwa Merdeka, this year’s National and Malaysia Day celebrations portray a commitment for citizens to continue striving towards a fair, prosperous and harmonious nation, he added.

Hajiji said the state government has, and continues to bring development and prosperity by introducing among others, Hala Tuju Sabah Maju Jaya which focuses on several aspects such as food security, investments, tourism, ending hardcore poverty and infrastructure development.

“We are also prioritising education development, improvement in services and security enhancement as well as human capital building,” he said.

Hajiji called upon the people to strengthen their unity and continue to promote peace and harmony while safeguarding the sovereignty of the nation.

He also urged all to be part of the Jalur Gemilang flying campaign to ignite patriotism and encourage a spirit of nationalism during this month.

A string of events have been planned for the national month including Kembara Merdeka, Simfoni Jiwa Merdeka and community as well as parliamentary level Merdeka programmes.