KOTA KINABALU: For Mas Dhani Mas Handar, the inaugural celebration of Sabah Day tonight was something he had been eagerly looking forward to.
The 14-year-old from SMK Pekan Telipok, originally from Labuan, moved here three years ago with his family.
"When I was in Primary Five, my teacher in Labuan told us about Sabah, including its interesting tourist attractions, especially Mount Kinabalu.
"Other subjects also mentioned history, including Sabah Day, the day Sabah gained independence.
"What was taught back in my Labuan school piqued my interest to explore Sabah," he said, adding that his family had travelled around the state.
Mas Dhani, his mother, and elder sister, who arrived at the state capital from Sepanggar at 9.30am, were met at the celebration at Padang Merdeka here.
"I wanted to see how Sabah Day is observed, and I also wanted to see Sabah ministers up close," he said.
Present were Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin and his wife, Toh Puan Norlidah RM Jasni; Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, state speaker Datuk Seri Kadzim Yahya, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, federal Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives minister Datuk Ewon Benedick and Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Jauteh Dikun, among others.
In his opening speech, Hajiji said he and his cabinet ministers were thrilled to have Sabah Day officially celebrated starting this year.
"Sabah Day is the day the state was freed from British colonisation and the beginning of its journey to form a country together.
"I hope the younger generation will learn about Sabah's history, not just the national day.
"But what is more important is for us to develop our state and maintain unity and peace."
Juhar made the official declaration of Sabah Day and led cabinet ministers and others in singing two songs, "My Way" and "Sejahtera Malaysia."