The day is marked by official and unofficial ceremonies and observances 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. On the 16th September, the Federation of Malaysia was formed on this date. It marked the joining of Malaya, North Borneo, and Sarawak to form Malaysia in 1963. 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. So instead of celebrating Independence Day, they observe North Borneo Self-Government Day, also referred to as Sabah Independence Day or Sabah Day. Sabah will showcase a colourful parade held in downtown Kota Kinabalu City to celebrate. Sarawak’s “Independence Day” Murray Hunter, Guest Contributor - 27 Jul, 2013. Therefore, Malaysian Independence Day is celebrated on August 31. Copyright © 2021 Sabah Tourism Board. 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. For those Sabahans who know the truth about August 31, will find there is nothing special about this date. The Malaysia Agreement was signed by the then Government of Sarawak, with the 18-point Agreement. We use cookies on our website to improve your user experience while respecting your privacy. Well… Back in 1963, Sabah & Sarawak had a lot of options. ... 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. 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. It was liberated by the Allied forces in the Battle of North Borneo that was fought between June 10 and August 15, 1945. 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. Happy Independence Day everyone.. wishing a safe and joyful celebration. That year, Britain agreed to relinquish control of most of its remaining colonies in Southeast Asia – … By 16 September 1963 both states were incorporated into the new federation Malaysia proposed by Britain and Malaya. The Malaysian state of Sabah occupies the northern portion of the island of Borneo. Singapore was not part of the federated Malay states, the federation never … 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. 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. However, the citizens of Sabah celebrate another holiday named, British North Borneo was granted self-government. 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. 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. 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. By continuing to use our site you are giving your consent for us to use cookies. Company No: 1024800-T MOTAC License No: KPK/LN 7028 MATTA No: MA 4222 +6088 532 732 ask@sabahbooking.com: +6010 666 8323 / sabahbooking Before GE14, then Prime Minister Najib offered to delegate greater administrative powers. 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. 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. Selamat Hari Merdeka! | Privacy Policy. Sabah Independence On 31st August 1957, the Federation of Malaya States gained its independence from the British. 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. 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. Table of Contents Hence, this day is known as ‘Hari Merdeka’ or Independence Day. And on September 16, all of Malaysia celebrates it unity during Malaysia Day. U.S. Embassy in Malaysia Hence, this day is known as ‘Hari Merdeka’ or Independence Day. Here is everything you need to know about National Day in Kuwait. 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. By : SAPP YOUTH MEDIA. After the liberation, North Borneo was administered by the British Military Administration for almost a year. 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 … 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. 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. Singapore seceded from Malaysia, becoming an independent state on Aug 9, 1965. The UN pushed for self-determination, Referendum and independence in South Sudan. Although Hari Merdeka and Sabah Day are two different holidays, they are celebrated similarly with parades, concerts, and other festive events. 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. Sabah culture is diverse due to a wide range of different ethnicity. U.S. On August 31, 1963, British North Borneo was granted self-government. National Day: National Holiday: Independence Day: Sunday: Sep 01: Awal Muharram: … 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. Hence, this day is known as ‘Hari Merdeka’ or Independence Day. 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. On 31st August 1957, the Federation of Malaya States gained its independence from the British. NetQuas Holiday Sdn. 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. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from Sabah Tourism is strictly prohibited. Marathons happen throughout the year all over Sabah, for this quarter, in Tuaran there will be The Nexus Beach Run! 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 1888, North Borneo became a British protectorate. Sabah Tourism Board, 51 Gaya Street, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah Malaysia. All rights reserved. In Kuwait, this would have meant National Day would be on June 19th, marking the date of independence in 1961. Bhd. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah is a highly regarded leader of Kuwait because of his significant contributions that helped the country achieve independence. Coincidentally, the Federation of Malaya had become independent exactly six years before North Borneo attained self-government (on August 31, 1957). ZAINNAL AJAMAIN. The third quarter of the year we patriotically celebrate the rich history of Sabah! This is a national public holiday and a series of activities will be held in conjunction with Malaysia Day. 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. 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. Sabah will showcase a colourful parade held in downtown Kota Kinabalu City to celebrate our National Day. Tugu Budaya Etnik Sabah – International Youth Folk Dance Festival. Visitors can see the different structures of the houses. Take a stroll back to our histories, before and after our independence. During the end of the 19th century, the people of Kuwait were fearful of an invasion by the Ottoman Empire. During the Second World War, most of Borneo was occupied by Japanese forces. Normally most countries celebrate their national day on the same date they gained independence. First of all, no states get in and out of a federation just as they wish. 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! Between the 17th and the late 19th century, its territory was divided between the Sultanate of Brunei and the Sultanate of Sulu. In July 1946, it became a British Crown Colony. 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. All this talk about ‘Sabah Independence’ Day” or ‘Sabah Day’ is just a ruse to confuse the people in Sabah. 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 22 July 1963 Sarawak gained independence from British colonial rule while Sabah became independent on 31 August 1963. Anticipate the return of popular activities such as the Sandakan Food Race, Sandakan Grand Chef Cooking competition and baking competition to discover more. Independence Day Celebration in Sabah On June 1, 2016, the U.S. All rights reserved except where stated. 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 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. Long & Foster Real Estate. Malaysia Day, 31 Aug 1957, was the transfer of the Administration of Sabah and Sarawak by the British colonialists to the Malayan gov’t. This is why the Kuwaitis consider February 25th an important day for their nation. Independence Day celebration was held for the first time in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. For the ‘independence’ part, Malaya, Sarawak and Sabah should be celebrating it individually on Aug. 31, July 22 and Aug. 31. STAR president Jeffrey Kitingan says Aug 31 should be recognised as Sabah’s independence day. The British North Borneo Company was responsible for local government, while the United Kingdom took control of the protectorate’s external affairs. Although Sabah and Sarawak gained their independence on 31 August 1963, Hari Kemerdekaan is a significant date throughout Malaysia. 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. 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. Advertisement 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. July 4, 2020 As per energy report, Sabah contains over 70% of oil reserves of Malaysia On this day, Malaysians from all backgrounds, race and religion celebrate together in a harmonious way. The 6km & 12km run/walk will take place on 18 July 2020 at the Nexus Karambunai Resort and Spa. 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