PENAMPANG: The official birthday celebration of the Head of State (TYT) is a long standing symbol of unity of the people and a mark of respect for the Governor and the institution he represents.
“It is not aimed at glorifying any individual but to honour the institution of the Governor which has long been a cornerstone of Sabah’s identity and governance,” says Council of Justices of the Peace Sabah (MAJAPS) president Datuk Seri Panglima Clarence Bongkos Malakun in response to recent criticisms regarding the TYT’s birthday celebration.
Acknowledging the concerns raised by certain parties, he said the TYT is a symbol of Sabah’s sovereignty, unity of the people and stability.
He adds that although the state does not have a Sultan, the TYT fulfils a similar role as the ceremonial guardian of the state under Malaysia’s constitutional monarchy.
“As such, paying homage to the TYT is synonymous with upholding Sabah’s identity and respect for our nation’s constitutional framework,” he adds.
Clarence also says the state government has been mindful of public sentiments by reducing the scale of this year’s celebration.
The number of official events, he says, had been consolidated to seven as compared to 12 in 2024. And, the budget too had been cut down by 30 per cent.
“These cost-saving measures will ensure the festivities are conducted in a modest manner without diminishing their meaning and traditions.
“More importantly, all seven events are long-established components of the TYT’s birthday commemoration – including the investiture ceremony for state honours and community programmes that foster closer relationship between the TYT and the people,” Clarence explains.
He adds that MAJAPS believes the calls to “stop” the celebrattion and claims that it is a waste of public resources, are unwarranted and misplaced.
“These extreme criticisms not only igore the significance of the occasion but also risk eroding public respect for the TYT institution.
“We wish to urge that any opinions or feedbacks be conveyed in a courteous and fact-based manner rather that through statements that can be construed as insulting to the state’s highest office.
“And, while we uphold freedom of expression, it should be exercised responsibly so as not to undermine the dignity of the TYT which in essence reflects the dignity of Sabah itself,” Clarence says.
Meanwhile, he stresses that holding the TYT’s birthday celebration does not mean the government is neglecting the people’s pressing needs.
“Even as this year’s celebration is observed in a restrained manner, the well-being and development of the people remain a top priority,” he adds.
Clarence also said the accusations that the celebration is mere “political theatre” or an “exercise in vanity” are baseless and misleading.
As such, he says MAJAPS is calling upon all parties to come together to make the TYT’s official birthday celebration an occasion to foster unity.
“Let us continue to show respect for the institution of the TYT which is one the pillars of stability,”he says, adding that MAJAPS will continue to support initiatives that strengthen unity, uphold Sabah’s constitutional traditions and preserve harmony.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Dr Joachim Gunsalam had clarified that the TYT’s official birthday celebration will feature seven events throughout the month of June.
“It will not span three months,” he was quoted by the local newspapers as saying.
Dr Joachim who is also the organising chairman of the celebration added that the State Cabinet has decided the official celebration programme would take place on June 21.
