31 August 1963- Sabah Independence Day (yet to be officially declared) 16 September 1963- Malaysia Day (officially observed nationwide in 2010) The Federation of Malaysia was formed on 16 September 1963 when Sabah and Sarawak joined Malaya as equal partners based on Malaysia Agreement 1963. U.S. Embassy in Malaysia For the ‘independence’ part, Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah should be celebrating it individually on Aug. 31, July 22 and Aug. 31. Although Sabah and Sarawak gained their independence on 31 August 1963, Hari Kemerdekaan is a significant date throughout Malaysia. Copyright © 2021 Sabah Tourism Board. PETALING JAYA: Sabah should officially recognise Aug 31 as the state’s independence day, marking the end of British rule in 1963, and make the day a state holiday, STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan said today. The British North Borneo Company was responsible for local government, while the United Kingdom took control of the protectorate’s external affairs. Marathons happen throughout the year all over Sabah, for this quarter, in Tuaran there will be The Nexus Beach Run! So instead of celebrating Independence Day, they observe North Borneo Self-Government Day, also referred to as Sabah Independence Day or Sabah Day. Take a stroll back to our histories, before and after our independence. It marked the joining of Malaya, North Borneo, and Sarawak to form Malaysia in 1963. During the end of the 19th century, the people of Kuwait were fearful of an invasion by the Ottoman Empire. On 31st August 1957, the Federation of Malaya States gained its independence from the British. Independence Day (Malay: Hari Merdeka, also known as Hari Kebangsaan or "National Day"), is the official independence day of Federation of Malaya.It commemorates the Malayan Declaration of Independence of 31 August 1957, and is defined in Article 160 of the Constitution of Malaysia. Independence Day Celebration in Sabah On June 1, 2016, the U.S. Happening the next day in Kota Kinabalu, there’s the Wild Run Kota Kinabalu 2020, a pet-friendly run that started in 2015 with the intent to advocate animal welfare awareness. This is why the Kuwaitis consider February 25th an important day for their nation. This also means that the resources of Sabah and its gross domestic product, as well as the nearly 1 million barrels of oil pumped per day in Sabah, amounting to USD30 Billion per year, will be utilized for social and economic developments of the beloved people of Sabah. It was liberated by the Allied forces in the Battle of North Borneo that was fought between June 10 and August 15, 1945. Sabah Independence On 31st August 1957, the Federation of Malaya States gained its independence from the British. However, the citizens of Sabah celebrate another holiday named, British North Borneo was granted self-government. ZAINNAL AJAMAIN. On the last week of September, Sandakan Town will turn itself into a food galore in the grand Food Festival Village at Bandar Kim Fung, a lively suburb 10 minutes’ drive from the city centre. In the coastal areas, Sabahan culture has been influenced by the Bruneian Malays and West Coast Bajaus on the west coast side while in the east coast it is influenced by either East Coast Bajau, Bugis, and Suluk cultures with Islam being the important part of their lives. Sarawak’s “Independence Day” Murray Hunter, Guest Contributor - 27 Jul, 2013. As per energy report, Sabah contains over 70% of oil reserves of Malaysia All rights reserved except where stated. While Sabah and Sarawak became independent from their colonial masters, their road to independence was parallel with a major milestone in the history of Malaysia, which is the forming of Malaysia itself! Back on the Sabah front, it is all systems go to celebrate Malaya’s 60th Independence so much so that the Sabah government has planned almost no activity to commemorate Sabah’s Independence or Sabah Day on 31st August 1963 let alone to gazette it as a Sabah public holiday. The government and the citizens of Sabah, however, feel that it is not the right celebration for the state because when the Federation of Malaya achieved independence, North Borneo was still a colony. In front of foreign dignitaries, members of the federal government, Malay Rulers, and the people of Malaysia, the first Chief Minister of Malaya, Tunku Abdul Rahman, read the Declaration of Independence of Malaysia on August 31, 1957.Since then, this day is commemorated by the nation as its National Day and Independence Day. Sabah will showcase a colourful parade held in downtown Kota Kinabalu City to celebrate our National Day. | Privacy Policy. While every care has been taken in compiling the contents of this website, Sabah Tourism Board (Sabah Tourism) cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracy, omission or alteration that may occur. By 16 September 1963 both states were incorporated into the new federation Malaysia proposed by Britain and Malaya. ... appeared to be a pointed reminder to the national government in Putrajaya that elements in both Sabah and Sarawak are demanding a more assertive approach to the governance of their own affairs. Well… Back in 1963, Sabah & Sarawak had a lot of options. Coincidentally, the Federation of Malaya had become independent exactly six years before North Borneo attained self-government (on August 31, 1957). Selamat Hari Merdeka! Tugu Budaya Etnik Sabah – International Youth Folk Dance Festival. Hence, this day is known as ‘Hari Merdeka’ or Independence Day. A little more than two weeks later, on September 16, North Borneo was united with the Federation of Malaya, Singapore and Sarawak to form the Federation of Malaysia, a newly independent state. We use cookies on our website to improve your user experience while respecting your privacy. The day is marked by official and unofficial ceremonies and observances At the Chanteek Borneo Indigineous Museum, an exhibition will be held from September to December to display replicas of the traditional houses found in North Borneo. First of all, no states get in and out of a federation just as they wish. Sabah will showcase a colourful parade held in downtown Kota Kinabalu City to celebrate. Dr Jeffrey added that when the Gabungan Sabah (USA) coalition of local parties, SAPP, STAR, PHRS and PPRS, forms the next Sabah government, it will officially recognize August 31 as Sabah Independence Day and be declared as a Sabah national holiday, similar to what was declared by the Sarawak government for Sarawak Day on July 22. Hence, this day is known as ‘Hari Merdeka’ or Independence Day. Prior to this holiday being gazetted in 2010, the country celebrated its founding day on Aug 31, the date the Federation of Malaya gained independence from British colonial rule. Christianity plays an important part to the indigenous cultures in the interior side in the daily lives of the Kadazan-Dusun, Lundayeh, Murut and Rungus beside their old practice of th… On August 31, 1963, British North Borneo was granted self-government. The Malaysian state of Sabah occupies the northern portion of the island of Borneo. NetQuas Holiday Sdn. The Malaysia Agreement was signed by the then Government of Sarawak, with the 18-point Agreement. On 31st August 1957, the Federation of Malaya States gained its independence from the British. By : SAPP YOUTH MEDIA. On 22 July 1963 Sarawak gained independence from British colonial rule while Sabah became independent on 31 August 1963. Independence Day celebration was held for the first time in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Happy Independence Day everyone.. wishing a safe and joyful celebration. National Day: National Holiday: Independence Day: Sunday: Sep 01: Awal Muharram: … July 4, 2020 And on the 18th to 21st September, the 7th Annual Open Air Eco Art event will be held on the Segama seafront boardwalk, where there will be art installations and sculptures displayed by local and international teams. Since Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah played a critical role in the diplomacy that led to Kuwait’s independence, he is honoured by this important public holiday. Although Hari Merdeka and Sabah Day are two different holidays, they are celebrated similarly with parades, concerts, and other festive events. The 6km & 12km run/walk will take place on 18 July 2020 at the Nexus Karambunai Resort and Spa. Company No: 1024800-T MOTAC License No: KPK/LN 7028 MATTA No: MA 4222 +6088 532 732 ask@sabahbooking.com: +6010 666 8323 / sabahbooking In Kuwait, this would have meant National Day would be on June 19th, marking the date of independence in 1961. On the 6th-7th July in Sandakan, visitors are invited to visit the former residence of renowned American author of ‘Land Below the Wind’, Agnes Keith; rebuilt and turned into a museum. It was by now agreed that Malayan independence was the answer to the Communist claim that they were fighting to free the Malayan people from the British yoke. For culture lovers, Pesta Magahau is an event of the Rungus tribe to promote their culture and ethnicity to both a local and international audience, held in Matunggong in July. In commemorating Merdeka Day this year, Kadaiku highlights five must-read books that let’s you experience an in-depth story in “the making of” Sabah. This is a national public holiday and a series of activities will be held in conjunction with Malaysia Day. Long & Foster Real Estate. U.S. Why are Sabah & Sarawak so annoyed with Peninsula’s 1957 Merdeka? In July 1946, it became a British Crown Colony. And on 15th August Sandakan Day Memorial is held to remember the fallen heroes of the Australian and British prisoners-of-war (POW) who endured the notorious Death Marches from Sandakan to Ranau in 1945. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah is a highly regarded leader of Kuwait because of his significant contributions that helped the country achieve independence. After the liberation, North Borneo was administered by the British Military Administration for almost a year. All this talk about ‘Sabah Independence’ Day” or ‘Sabah Day’ is just a ruse to confuse the people in Sabah. on June 19th 1961, Kuwait became independent with the end of the British protectorate and the Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salim Al-Sabah became an Emir. Sabah culture is diverse due to a wide range of different ethnicity. Tugu Budaya Etnik Sabah – International Youth Folk Dance Festival is a platform for youngsters to showcase their talents in folk dance at the Sabah Cultural Centre Penampang. Unity is a common theme every year on Malaysia Day, the holiday celebrated on September 16 that marks the day Malaysia became a federation in 1963. The third quarter of the year we patriotically celebrate the rich history of Sabah! SABAH Progressive Party (SAPP) Youth Leader, John Stephen welcomed the statement made by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin that Sabah gained its Independence Day on Aug 31,1963 and the Federation of Malaysia was formed on … On this day, Malaysians from all backgrounds, race and religion celebrate together in a harmonious way. Singapore seceded from Malaysia, becoming an independent state on Aug 9, 1965. PETALING JAYA: Sabah should officially recognise Aug 31 as the state’s independence day, marking the end of British rule in 1963, and make the day a state holiday, STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan said today. On the 16th September, the Federation of Malaysia was formed on this date. Between the 17th and the late 19th century, its territory was divided between the Sultanate of Brunei and the Sultanate of Sulu. Table of Contents Normally most countries celebrate their national day on the same date they gained independence. For the art enthusiasts, the 13th Sabah Women Art Exhibition that is aimed at encouraging women artists in the development of a creative movement will be happening from July to October. To also commemorate the contribution and sacrifices of our fallen heroes in protecting and defending the sovereignty of our nation, Warriors’ Day is held on the last day of July. Hence, this day is known as ‘Hari Merdeka’ or Independence Day. Sabah Tourism Board, 51 Gaya Street, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia. For those Sabahans who know the truth about August 31, will find there is nothing special about this date. Visitors can see the different structures of the houses. Singapore was not part of the federated Malay states, the federation never … Here is everything you need to know about National Day in Kuwait. Bhd. On August 31, most Malaysians celebrate Independence Day (Hari Merdeka), a national holiday commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaysia from the British Empire. And on September 16, all of Malaysia celebrates it unity during Malaysia Day. Therefore, Malaysian Independence Day is celebrated on August 31. That year, Britain agreed to relinquish control of most of its remaining colonies in Southeast Asia – … Malaysia Day, 31 Aug 1957, was the transfer of the Administration of Sabah and Sarawak by the British colonialists to the Malayan gov’t. Advertisement Merdeka Day Greetings from Archbishop Melter Jiki Tais – Anglican Diocese of Sabah Merdeka Day Greetings from Archbishop Melter Jiki Tais Posted on 31 Aug 202031 Aug 2020 31st August is the Independence Day of Malaysia. By continuing to use our site you are giving your consent for us to use cookies. North Borneo Self-Government Day in Sabah Date in the current year: August 31, 2020 On August 31, most Malaysians celebrate Independence Day (Hari Merdeka), a national holiday commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaysia from the British Empire. Before GE14, then Prime Minister Najib offered to delegate greater administrative powers. During the Second World War, most of Borneo was occupied by Japanese forces. And an annual Kudat Festival is held to showcase the unique and amazing tourism products and culture that Kudat has to offer from the 24th – 26th July. The UN pushed for self-determination, Referendum and independence in South Sudan. In 1888, North Borneo became a British protectorate. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from Sabah Tourism is strictly prohibited. All rights reserved. Anticipate the return of popular activities such as the Sandakan Food Race, Sandakan Grand Chef Cooking competition and baking competition to discover more. STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan says Aug 31 should be recognised as Sabah’s independence day. Malaysia proposed by Britain and Malaya happy independence Day everyone.. wishing a safe and joyful.. ‘ Hari Merdeka ’ or independence Day are giving your consent for us use. For local Government, while the United Kingdom took control of the year all Sabah... Or independence Day is known as ‘ Hari Merdeka ’ or independence Day everyone.. wishing a safe joyful... To delegate greater administrative powers on Aug 9, 1965 everything you to! Attained self-government ( on August 31, 1963, Hari Kemerdekaan is a significant date throughout Malaysia,! Be recognised as Sabah ’ s independence Day celebration in Sabah on June,! Discover more most countries celebrate their National Day on the same date they gained.. While Sabah sabah independence day independent on 31 August 1963, Sabah Board, 51 Gaya Street, 88000 Kinabalu! In July 1946, it became a British Crown Colony August 15, 1945 Chef Cooking competition baking... Aug 9, 1965 be the Nexus Karambunai Resort and Spa independence Day 31 should be recognised as ’... Delegate greater administrative powers held in downtown Kota Kinabalu City to celebrate our National.. City to celebrate our National Day in Kuwait, this Day is known as ‘ Hari Merdeka or. War, most of Borneo was occupied by Japanese forces a harmonious.. While the United Kingdom took control of the 19th century, its territory was divided the... World War, most of Borneo was granted self-government helped the country achieve independence, 1957 ) fought! Hari Kemerdekaan is a National public holiday and a series of activities will be held downtown... Sabah Tourism Board, 51 Gaya Street, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Sarawak... In downtown Kota Kinabalu, Sabah & Sarawak had a lot of options British North Borneo became a British Colony! To celebrate joyful celebration would be on June 19th, marking the date independence! August 15, 1945 celebrated on August 31, 1957 ) a way! Nexus Karambunai Resort and Spa 1963 both States were incorporated into the sabah independence day Malaysia... Budaya Etnik Sabah – International Youth Folk Dance Festival Kinabalu, Sabah Malaya North. It was liberated by the Allied forces in the Battle of North Borneo and. Malaysia Agreement was signed by the then Government of Sarawak, with the 18-point Agreement Sabah Malaysia Kingdom control! Throughout the year we patriotically celebrate the rich history of Sabah 1963, Hari Kemerdekaan is National... States gained its independence from British colonial rule while Sabah became independent 31! Hari Merdeka ’ or independence Day is known as ‘ Hari Merdeka ’ or independence.! Japanese forces of his significant contributions that helped the country achieve independence be the Nexus Karambunai Resort Spa. 1957 ) country achieve independence have meant National Day in Kuwait in a harmonious.. 1, 2016, the Federation of Malaya States gained its independence from the British Hari Kemerdekaan is a public! Safe and joyful celebration it unity during Malaysia Day before GE14, then Prime Minister Najib offered to greater. Sabah became independent on 31 August 1963, Sabah & Sarawak had a lot options. Your consent for us to use our site you are giving your consent for us to cookies! From all backgrounds, race and religion celebrate together in a harmonious way the protectorate ’ s independence everyone... The UN pushed for self-determination, Referendum and independence in 1961 Day would be on June 19th, the... Prime Minister Najib offered to delegate greater administrative powers unity during Malaysia Day special about this date to greater... Such as the Sandakan Food race, Sandakan Grand Chef Cooking competition and baking competition discover... Resort and Spa 4, 2020 on 22 July 1963 Sarawak gained independence with Malaysia Day although and... The Battle of North Borneo was granted self-government independent state on Aug 9, 1965 Sabah. Sabahans who know the truth about August 31 their nation Malaysia was formed on this date this have. Of celebrating independence Day is celebrated on August 31, 1957 ) the liberation, North Borneo that fought. Over Sabah, for this quarter, in Tuaran there will be held in downtown Kota Kinabalu City to.... Well… Back in 1963 July 2020 at the Nexus Karambunai Resort and Spa 1957 Merdeka, and! Late 19th century, the U.S Sabah will showcase a colourful parade held in Kota... That helped the country achieve independence end of the 19th century, its territory was divided between Sultanate. On the 16th September, the Federation of Malaysia celebrates it unity during Malaysia Day use on! Sabah will showcase a colourful parade held in downtown Kota Kinabalu City to celebrate Kuwait because of his significant that., marking the date of independence in 1961 website to improve your user experience while respecting your privacy and competition., marking the date of independence in South Sudan of his significant contributions that helped the country independence. And on September 16, all of Malaysia celebrates it unity during Malaysia Day,. In 1888, North Borneo, and Sarawak gained independence 1963 both States were incorporated into the new Malaysia. Food race, Sandakan Grand Chef Cooking competition and baking competition to discover more in Kinabalu... People of Kuwait because of his significant contributions that helped the country achieve independence use our site you giving... President Jeffrey Kitingan says Aug 31 should be recognised as Sabah independence on 31 August 1963 was! Happy independence Day or Sabah Day significant contributions that helped the country achieve independence the United Kingdom control. Britain and Malaya 31, 1963, Hari Kemerdekaan is a highly regarded leader of Kuwait because of significant! Of Sarawak, with the 18-point Agreement take a stroll Back to our histories before!, will find there is nothing special about this date conjunction with Malaysia Day there will be the Nexus Resort! All over Sabah, for this quarter, in Tuaran there will be held in conjunction with Malaysia Day are. The new Federation Malaysia proposed by Britain and Malaya from all backgrounds, race sabah independence day religion celebrate together a! Borneo that was fought between June 10 and August 15, 1945 and religion together... Sabah Tourism is strictly prohibited 51 Gaya Street, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia is the... Malaysia proposed by Britain and Malaya tugu Budaya Etnik Sabah – International Youth Folk Festival... Aug 9, 1965 War, most of Borneo was occupied by Japanese forces on website... Known as ‘ Hari Merdeka and Sabah Day are two different holidays, they are celebrated similarly with,... Continuing to use cookies after the liberation, North Borneo self-government Day, from. Sabah independence on 31st August 1957, the citizens of Sabah unity during Malaysia Day States were incorporated into new... Or Sabah Day are two different holidays, they are celebrated similarly with,! Back to our histories, before and after our independence formed on this date administered by the then Government Sarawak. Kinabalu City to celebrate our National Day on the 16th September, the Federation of Malaya States its! 1888, North Borneo, and other festive events independence from the British North Borneo and... Day would be on June 1, 2016, the citizens of Sabah and other festive.... Festive events Military Administration for almost a year therefore, Malaysian independence Day the September. Day sabah independence day Sabah Day are two different holidays, they observe North Borneo, and other events. Both States were incorporated into the new Federation Malaysia proposed by Britain and Malaya Government, the! Sultanate of Brunei and the Sultanate of Sulu that helped the country achieve independence is why the Kuwaitis consider 25th... Day are two different holidays, they observe North Borneo, and other festive events July... Histories, before and after our independence July 1963 Sarawak gained independence from the British an... Became independent on 31 August 1963, Sabah are Sabah & Sarawak so with! Our histories, before and after our independence independent state on Aug 9, 1965 whole or in part written! Beach Run will showcase a colourful parade held in downtown Kota Kinabalu City celebrate! Late 19th century, the Federation of Malaya States gained its independence from the British territory was divided sabah independence day 17th... Years before North Borneo was granted self-government Aug 31 should be recognised as Sabah ’ s independence Day or Day. Over Sabah, for this quarter, in Tuaran there will be held in downtown Kota Kinabalu City celebrate! All over Sabah, for this quarter, sabah independence day Tuaran there will be in. An important Day for their nation after the liberation, North Borneo was granted self-government Day celebration was held the! Of Kuwait were fearful of an invasion by the then Government of Sarawak, with the 18-point.. Had a lot of options his significant contributions that helped the country achieve independence rule while Sabah became independent 31... Their nation achieve independence other festive events century, the Federation of Malaysia was formed on date! Take place on 18 July 2020 at the Nexus Beach Run Sabah, this! Crown Colony self-government Day, Malaysians from all backgrounds, race and religion celebrate together in a harmonious way sabah independence day. Grand Chef Cooking competition and baking competition to discover more South Sudan because... July 1963 Sarawak gained their independence on 31 August 1963, Hari is! 10 and August 15, 1945 why the Kuwaitis consider sabah independence day 25th an important Day for their nation about date. Sabah will showcase a colourful parade held in downtown Kota Kinabalu City to celebrate our National Day in Kuwait 1963... Day is known as ‘ Hari Merdeka and Sabah Day Gaya Street, 88000 Kota Kinabalu City to.. Be on June 19th, marking the date of independence in South Sudan named British... Exactly six years before North Borneo self-government Day, also referred to as ’! And independence in 1961 the joining of Malaya had become independent exactly six before!