PRIME Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad has arrived in Sabah for the Malaysia Day celebrations tonight, as Sabahans anticipated further announcements on state rights and oil royalty matters. 

He arrived in the Land Below the Wind about 12.30pm and was greeted by a crowd of reporters, staff and guests anxiously awaiting the 93-year-old leader at his hotel. 

He was accompanied by his wife, Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali, and Sabah Chief Minister Shafie Apdal. 

The Malaysia Day celebration will start at Padang Merdeka, Kota Kinabalu, at 8pm. 

Dr Mahathir is expected to address a 10,000-strong crowd celebrating the birth of the nation 55 years ago. 

Malaysia was formed on September 16, 1963, following the union between the federated states of Malaya, Singapore, Sabah (North Borneo) and Sarawak. 

Singapore was later expelled from the federation in 1965. 

Dr Mahathir will be accompanied by his ministers and other leaders from Sabah and Sarawak tonight. – September 16, 2018.