SABAH INDEPENDENCE DAY ON AUG 31,1963

By : SAPP YOUTH MEDIA

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 Sept 16, 1963.

However, it is totally shock and uncalled for from the state leader like him that it is a waste of time in digging up the past history when it is very important for the young generation to understand the history correctly.

“It is not the issue of whether Aug 31 or Sept 16 that Sabahans should celebrate independence but it is about the years that Sabah should celebrating its Independence”, said John Stephen.

It can be heard every day in all the electronic media such as radio and TV and was broadcast repeatedly that Malaysia is celebrating Independence Day for 54 years when Sabah should be celebrating 48 years.

“It is very disappointing to note that none of the Barisan Nasional leaders dares to say that Sabah celebrating its 48 years being Independence but merely putting a date of independence in their statement instead of the years it celebrates.

“By condone such scenario by telling Malaysia celebrating 54 years, it puts every Malaysian in Sabah assuming that Sabah gaining its Independence Day in year 1957 instead of year 1963. This is wrong and very confusing broadcast”, said John again.

The government especially the leaders of Barisan Nasional should not put the young generation of Sabahan in dilemma about the past history and should be corrected when it is incorrect.

SAPP Youth wants the government and Barisan Nasional to come forward and clarify the confusion to all Sabahan in Malaysia whether Sabah should celebrate its Independence for 54 years or 48 years.

- Sabahkini