Pairin recalls the events of 44 years ago

TENOM, September 4 (Daily Express) -- Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Joseph Pairin Kitingan said Sabah and Sarawak were already self-governing states 44 years ago on Aug. 31, 1963.

This meant that both states were already independent for 15 days until Sept. 15, followed by the declaration of Malaysia the following day, involving Sabah, Sarawak, Singapore and 11 states in Malaya, he said.

On the 50th Merdeka celebration over the weekend, he said Malaya had freed itself from the colonial yolk on Aug. 31, 1957, and Sabah joined in the joys of independence well in advance.

He was speaking at the opening of the 22nd annual general meeting of the PBS Tenom division, Sunday. The meeting involved more than 200 delegates and observers representing 35 branches in the Tenom division.

He pointed out that most Malaysians had benefited from the fruits of independence through the Government's poverty eradication policy.

He said the Government had been making concerted efforts to reduce the poverty incidence in Sabah. He noted that the number of families living in abject poverty had been reduced from 29,889, earning RM345 and below a month, to 21,985 after their income rose to RM550 a month.

On Pulau Banggi, off Kudat, some 4,500 acres had been developed for rubber and oil palm cultivations, involving 1000 people, he said.

He disclosed that 15,000 acres had been opened up in Pitas for rubber and oil palm cultivation benefiting some 1000 people.

At the same time, some 30 districts were undergoing development projects, with a hope to eliminate poverty.

On fears of illegal immigrants being accorded permanent residence status, he said the Federal and State Governments had taken positive measures to resolve the problem and ease anxietites.

He hoped the people would share the spirit of independence, reflecting on the struggle of pre-independence fighters like Antanom and Mat Salleh, who sacrificed themselves in their struggle to end the foreign domination in the State.

The Second World War also saw the sacrifices of British and Australian soldiers, the communist threat being repelled by the Malaysian armed forces and police, he added.

Also present were Melalap Assemblyman cum PBS Secretary General Datuk Radin Malleh, who is also Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister.