KENINGAU: Sabah Day, a day to commemorate Sabah’s independence day which historically fell on August 31, 1963, could be observed for the first time next year.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said he has already prepared the cabinet paper to gazette the Sabah Day, which has been one of the main annual celebrations for his party, the Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR).
“STAR has always celebrated Sabah Day. Some people argued there is no need for another public holiday because August 31 is already a public holiday. That, however, is not the point.
“We want to recognise August 31 as Sabah Day to celebrate our independence day, not National Day that celebrate Malaya’s independence day. In other words, we want what Sarawak has,” he said here today.
Kitingan is confident the Sabah Day could be formally gazetted next year and a huge celebration can be safely held once COVID-19 is under control.
At the moment, however, he said such important gazettement requires the unanimous support from the Sabah assembly which is unable to convene due to the SOP and emergency currently in place.
