Leonard
KOTA KINABALU (Aug 1): The inaugural Sabah Day celebration will be held with a bang, with around 15,000 people expected to attend the historic event, which is lined up with various activities and programmes.
State Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries Ministry (MAFFI) permanent secretary Leonard Stephen Poyong said a special working committee had been established to oversee its implementation, chaired by MAFFI Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, in which various suggestions were proposed for the celebration.
Leonard said starting from August 24, they will work together with Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) to host the “Gegar Merdeka Kihoi” concert, featuring local and Peninsular artists, to enliven the event.
He said from the mentioned date until August 31, Padang Merdeka has been fully booked, with a tamu to be held in cooperation with RTM and non-governmental organisation Pertubuhan Penduduk Asli Sabah.
In addition, he said at the peak of the celebration, which is held together in conjunction with the National Day, a myriad of activities are lined up such as singing and cultural performances, poem recitals, as well as a parade of around 15 cars from the state’s ministries, with MAFFI as the anchor.
Aside from that, he said a Sabah Day run will take place starting from August 24, where some 3,000 participants from the state’s four corners – Kalabakan, Labuan, Sandakan and Kudat – will take their steps and eventually converge at Padang Merdeka on the 31st.
“In cooperation with the Sabah State Archives, Sabah State Museum and other relevant associations, we will also hold an exhibition to showcase historic documents which were important in the process of gaining independence for Sabah.
“Many might not have seen these documents, such as the proclamation of independence. They will be brought out and shown to the public, especially for the younger generation, so that they can learn and understand about the history.
“In addition to the exhibition, a talk will be held by esteemed historians and lecturers to explain and give their perspective on the state’s history leading up to its independence,” he told a press conference at the Kota Kinabalu City Hall building here on Thursday.
Also present were Kota Kinabalu Mayor Dato’ Seri Dr Sabin Samitah and State Ministry of Finance permanent secretary Datuk Mohd Sofian Alfian Nair.
