KOTA KINABALU: Sabah has never compromised the independence that its founding fathers worked so tirelessly to achieve.
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said the onus now lies upon the state government to manage the partnership judiciously.
"Sixteen days after our independence, on Sept 16, 1963, our government agreed to the formation of Malaysia," said Kitingan in conjunction with Sabah Day celebration held at Pisompuruan Square, Tambunan.
Sabah was born as a nation-state on Aug 31, 1963, complete with its own flag, national anthem and constitution, he said.
"So let us all rejoice and celebrate Sabah Day as a critical milestone in our history.
"A day we took upon ourselves the mantle to govern, develop and manage our own affairs," said Kitingan who is also the state Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister.
On a personal note, Kitingan said the quest to have Sabah's independence recognised has been a journey that almost broke his body but not his spirit.
"As some of you may recall, I was arrested and detained under the Internal Security Act for nearly three years for the sin of fighting for Sabah's rights.
"Yet, those years of incarceration only fuelled my resolve to fight for Sabah's right to self-governance and for the recognition it rightfully deserves," said Kitingan.
Whether people choose to acknowledge it or not, he said Sabah became an independent nation on Aug 31, 1963, when British colonial rule ended.
"Our locally elected leaders took the reins to govern and develop our homeland.
"This momentous occasion took place even before the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963," he said.
He said Sabah's forefathers, serving as elected lawmakers and true representatives of the people, made a unanimous resolution on Aug 8, 1963, to exercise self-determination.
They went on to declare Sabah independent on Aug 31, irrespective of whether Malaysia would be formed on that date, he said.
"This decision was in complete accordance with United Nations Principle 1541," he added.
He also expressed appreciation to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor who officiated the event and the state government as well as the organising team for pulling off the event in just 29 days.
He called upon the people to celebrate both the historical date and acknowledge the defining moment that would shape the present and would influence the future.