KOTA KINABALU: It is a classic example of being at the right place and the right time for Canadians Brett Hearn and Rachel Jehn as they joined millions of Malaysians celebrating the nation’s 61st anniversary here.
The couple, who have been in Sabah particularly this city for a week, was drawn to Padang Merdeka after seeing the crowd thronging the area, thinking it was just a municipality programme.
Little did they know that the historical site was hosting the national-level Malaysia Day celebration, which would be attended by Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Sabah Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor and Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg.
“We did not know (about the programme) until today," said 51-year-old Jehn, an airport security in Canada.
“This is our first visit to Malaysia, instead of going to Kuala Lumpur or Penang, we were looking for a lesser-known place and found Sabah. The more we looked into it, the more we were drawn to it,” said Hearn, a 52-year-old nurse, who did most of the planning for their month-long holiday in Sabah.
The couple believe Sabah was the perfect choice, as it caters to both their interests – Hearn's love for culture, rainforests, wildlife and the people while Jehn is passionate about plants and flowers.
“I’ve travelled to Thailand, Laos, China and Korea.
"During my research, I noticed many similarities between Canada and Sabah. For instance, both places have large Chinese and Indian communities that have been present for over a century.
“Additionally, both nations were colonised and post-colonial challenges have shaped their journeys toward reconciliation. It’s interesting to see how another part of the world is navigating similar issues,” Hearn added.
The couple also planned to take a trip to the Tip of Borneo in Kudat, Sandakan, Tawau and the Kinabatangan River to experience the local wildlife before returning to the capital.
Another visitor, Wan Ting, has just arrived in Sabah with three friends.
“We’re excited to experience the culture and anything unique,” said the 30-year-old IT expert from Beijing, China.
Despite only being in town for a few hours, they were impressed by the food and the warm hospitality.
