Kota Kinabalu: The State Government’s new tourism promotion strategy of “Feel Sabah, North Borneo” by leveraging on the world famous Borneo brand may be 60 years too late but better than never, the first post Queen Elizabeth Commonwealth Day gathering here was told.
(Sunday, November 6, 1994)
NOVEMBER 14
1963: Head of State Datu Mustapha bin Datu Harun unveiled the Malaysia monument (pic) built by the Chinese community to mark the birth of Malaysia.
It cost $11,000 and is situated in front of the Keng Chew Association in Charter Street, Jesselton.
When Malaysia was around the corner, the sponsoring associations began planning a suitable way to mark its birth. Several proposals were considered, among them temporary arches to scholarship foundations.
When the proposal to erect a permanent monument was agreed upon, it was just 20 days before Malaysia Day (Sept 16). But it was completed on time and the lights were turned on the first evening of the Malaysia celebrations.
NOVEMBER 8
Filipino Mayor flees to Sandakan after armed raid
1962: The Mayor of the Philippines island of Taganak, Timbayan Anam, reached Sandakan in a Kumpit accompanied by his family, the island’s police chief and four constables
Sabah has three internationally significant tourism attractions that have been largely overlooked or taken for granted until now and it is never too late to brag about them to the world.
“Indeed one of them is sitting right on our doorstep and many of us see it every day when we pass the HongKong Bank or Standard Chartered Bank area, without knowing its importance.
“The barely 100ft by 50ft spot popularly known as ‘Pillars of Borneo’ because artists were fond of painting their works and graffiti is where Britain decided to stop adding any more colonies to its once mighty Empire.
“Which makes this spot the most important piece of real estate in colonial history which you will not come across anywhere else in the Commonwealth