Sabah Day to be held in Kundasang again

KOTA KINABALU: The Gabungan Sabah Council has decided to choose Kundasang again as the venue for hosting Sabah Day 2017.

According to organizing chairman Japiril Suhaimin, the coming celebration will be the third one organised by Gabungan Sabah and will present more events than last year.

Kundasang was selected host in 2015. As usual, the highlight of the event will be held at noon on August 31.

Launching of the putting up of flags along the road to Kundasang will be held in Ranau town a day before the main event and will be officiated by Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah president Datuk Seri Panglima Hj Lajim Hj Ukin.

On the night of August 30, Sabah Day Ambang Night will be organized from 7.30pm under the Sabah Youth Alliance (GEMA) led by Jamain Sarudin with various interesting events such as poetry competition, cultural performances and video shows. This event will be officiated by Jalumin Bayogoh, deputy president of Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku (STAR).

On August 31 morning Jalibin will lead the Sabah Independence Walk under SSPR and the event will be flagged off by the president of PPRS, Datuk Mohd Arshad Mualap at 7.30am. This walking event is from Ranau to Kundasang which will take between two and three hours.

Two competitions, the Traditional Fashion Show for couples and the Bougainvillea Floral Design competition will be held in the morning.

Both of these events are organised by the Gabungan Sabah Women’s Alliance (WGS) led by Datin Normilla Siong, wife of Lajim.

Japiril said the Sabah Day is an event that raises awareness to the general public about the importance of knowing the history of Sabah. Sabah given the status of “self-governing” by the British Government on August 31, 1963 was a very historical moment and the beginning of a government ruled by the natives of Sabah and the end of colonization.

“It is from this principle that the anak-anak Sabah need to ponder, committed and continue with the struggle,” he added.

Meanwhile, according to Japiril, at midday August 31, the joint leadership comprising Gabungan chairman Datuk Hj Mohd Noor Mansor, STAR president Datuk Dr Jeffery Kitingan, SAPP president Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee, Lajim and Mohd Arshad will deliver their respective messages to all present.