THE Warisan-led Sabah government has become subservient to Putrajaya when it failed to observe Sabah’s independence yesterday, but celebrated Malaya’s instead, said Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku president Jeffrey Kitingan.

He said the Warisan leaders had vowed not to celebrate Malaya’s independence before taking power after the polls. 

“But after the general election with some of its leaders holding federal ministerial posts, there is not a whimper of celebrating Sabah Day.  

“Instead, they are celebrating Malaya’s 62nd Independence in full force, leaving the truly patriotic Sabahans on their own to celebrate our 56th Sabah Day,” he said in a statement.

He previously said although falling on August 31, Sabah Day should not be confused with Malaya’s National Day and should be celebrated separately.

Kitingan questioned whether the Sabah government would be able to stand up and fight for the restoration of Sabah rights.

He said they could remain silent and keep their federal positions and perks just like when Sabah was under Barisan Nasional (BN). 

“Equally shocking is Pakatan Harapan practises what BN did, asking Sabah and Sarawak to celebrate Malaya’s National Day instead of Malaysia Day on September 16.”

He added September 16 is the rightful National Day for Malaysia, not August 31 as the date is meaningless in the Borneo territories, particularly Sarawak, while Sabah attained self-governance on August 31, 1963. 

“By celebrating August 31 as National Day, who are we? Malaysians or Malayans?

“Celebrating August 31 means erasing Sabah and Sarawak’s unique history and rendering useless the history of the formation of Malaysia.” – September 1, 2019.