KOTA KINABALU: Malaysians in Sabah must continue to foster the spirit of patriotism, preserve unity and maintain harmony among the diverse races and religions in the state, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor (pic).
He said August 31 holds special significance in Sabah’s history as it marks both National Day and Sabah Day, which serve as unifying occasions for all Malaysians from diverse backgrounds.
"Indeed, this historic date is not only an occasion for remembrance and celebration, but also a moment to deeply appreciate the sacrifices made by the nation's freedom fighters, who fought valiantly for independence," he said.
Hajiji added that both the National Day 2025 theme "Malaysia Madani: Rakyat Disantuni" and the Sabah Day 2025 theme "Untukmu Sabah Tanah Airku" highlight a shared message rooted in the principles of Madani and the Sabah Maju Jaya Development Plan.
"Let us remain vigilant against any negative elements that could undermine harmony and unity, leading to division," he said.
Sabah officially marks August 31 as Sabah Day, coinciding with the end of British rule in 1963. Sabah and Sarawak later joined the Federation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963.
