Sabahans Celebrate Malaysia Day

The State Government remains consistent in defending Sabah’s interests and rights through constitutional channels, negotiations and inter-governmental cooperation.

“Fighting for Sabah’s rights does not mean distancing Sabah from Malaysia. It is part of efforts to strengthen the foundations of the Federation so that every partner feels respected, every responsibility is fulfilled and every citizen benefits from a stable and prosperous Malaysia.”

“We believe that a strong State-Federal relation must be built on mutual respect, fairness and a willingness to fulfil agreed responsibilities," Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor said on 16th September 2026 at the Sabah-level Malaysia Day celebration in Kota Kinabalu.

The Chief Minister was in Sarawak on 16 September 2026 for the national-level 63rd Malaysia Day celebration at the Borneo Convention Centre during which Hajiji urged Malaysians to continue safeguarding peace and to make Malaysia Day to celebrate progress and prosperity.

Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Deputy Chief Minister / Minister of Works and Utilities delivered the CM’s speech at the state-level event at Sabah International Convention Centre, Kota Kinabalu.

Hajiji said that all of Sabah’s rights and interests under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) will continue to be pursued and realised through close cooperation with the Federal Government. Malaysia Day provided an opportunity for the people to appreciate Sabah’s position in the Federation of Malaysia, particularly in relation to MA63 and the Federal Constitution.

“In Sabah, we celebrate our diversity of race, culture and belief successfully,” Hajiji said. “We must continue to preserve the culture of consensus.” Sabahans – and especially the youths - must grasp history, appreciate our heritage and recognise that independence and nation-building come with the responsibility to safeguard peace, preserve unity and uphold sovereignty, Hajiji added.

“Progress is not only measured in figures and buildings,” Hajiji said. “Progress must be felt in the daily lives of the people. It also means continuing to narrow the development gap between urban and rural areas, improving connectivity and expanding economic opportunities.” The State Government will continue to play its role in providing a conducive environment for development, including strengthening infrastructure, improving service delivery and enhancing the well-being of the people, Hajiji added.

The theme of the 2026 National Day and Malaysia Day celebrations is “Malaysia MADANI: Kesejahteraan Dinikmati” (Malaysia MADANI: Shared Prosperity). Head of State Tun Musa Aman and Toh Puan Faridah Tussin graced the event at the Sabah International Convention Centre, Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah Head of State Tun Musa Aman accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Joachim Gunsalam and Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister who is also the Malaysia Day State-level main organising chairman Datuk Jafry Arifin as well as State Cabinet ministers upon arrival at SICC tonight Foto: Tun Musa accompanied by Joachim, and Datuk Jafry Arifin, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment who is the Organising Chairman of the event, at SICC, Kota Kinabalu