KOTA KINABALU: The song ‘Sabah Tanah Airku’ which is Sabah’s official song has been played on air since 55 years ago, dating when the state was still known as North Borneo.
However, many people, especially the younger generation may not know the history behind or the song maker of this song, filled with patriotic lyrics.
Sabah Archives director Mohd Said Hinayat in elaborating this to NSTP, said the song, originally named as ‘Sabah’, was created by HB Hermann from Geyland Road, Singapore.
“This song created by Hermann, won a competition in North Borneo back in May 16, 1963.
“It was announced as the state’s official anthem after beating 34 other participants from Malaya, Singapore and Brunei.
“It was also the first time for the song to be played by the North Borneo police band at the time, and it first aired on the radio on July 18, 1963,” he said, adding that the original copy of the song lyrics was also under Sabah Archives’ safekeeping.
It was said the tune was played every day in the radio from its inaugural airing until Malaysia’s formation on September 16, 1963.
It was learnt that the leaders of Sabah at the time, the late Tun Datu Mustapha Datu Harun and the late Tun Mohd Fuad Stephens were the ones who ordered the police band to conduct the songwriting competition.
While the song was composed by an outsider, it has been accepted as the state anthem and this has been respected, said Mohd Said.
“I think to sing this song is not a problem, many can do so but to learn the story behind the composer and its history, many may not know it.
“So we want more public to know about the state’s history including the Sabah Tanah Airku song,” he added.
He said the state Archives encouraged the public who knew about Sabah’s history or wished to conduct study on how Sabah got its name, to come forward and share their stories.
“We want more materials and information including photographs, to be kept and be exhibited in the state Archives,” he added.