He said the organising committee has held a series of meetings previously and had already made preparations for the event. He added that the celebration of "Sabah Day" is not only an opportunity to establish rapport among the Sabah local opposition parties and NGOs but also intends to provide assurance and regain the confidence of local and foreign tourists to visit Kundasang as a tourist destination.
Kundasang and Ranau are areas that were hard hit by an earthquake on June 5 that claimed many lives including 4 mountain guides and climbers from within and outside the country. Both areas also suffered more than 100 tremors, aftershocks following the earthquake. The local economy was disrupted further by mudslides during rains that cause massive damage to properties and farmland. The economy of the people there also suffered due to the drop in tourism activities.
On the Sabah Day event a variety of programmes has been laid out for the event which is expected to be participated by more than a thousand people," said Japiril.
"Apart from the USA coalition consisting of local political parties and NGOs such as STAR, SAPP, APS, GPS and SAPRIM, more than 20 more local NGOs have expressed their support and interest to join the Sabah Day Event. He added that the contingent consisting of convoy vehicles travelling from various parts of Sabah to Kundasang are divided into various zones under the theme "Spirit of 1963."
"North Zone consists of Kudat, Pitas, Matunggong, and Kota Marudu while East Coast Zone includes Tawau, Sandakan and Lahad Datu; West Coast region covers Sipitang, Beaufort, Membakut, Bongawan, from Papar to Kota Kinabalu. Other West Coast and Interiror areas are Inanam, Menggatal, Tuaran, Kota Belud and Tampauli and Interior Zone, covering areas such as Tenom, Keningau and Tambunan.
Japiril added that awareness campaigns being carried out at present will continue until August 31.
Among other programs celebrating Sabah Independence will be in Kota Marudu on August 28, by Bangkit Anak Negara Sabah (BANSA) who will be led by John Charles Mikat.
Another organization Semangat Satu Perjuangan Rakyat (SSPR) will be erecting Sabah flags along the road to Ranau – Bundu Tuhan , Ranau – Tungou and Ranau Nunuk Ragang starting from August 28 until August 30.
In a separate event, there will be a 'Post Card' launching on August 28 to commemorate the earthquake on 05 June 2015 and fund-raising by the Sabah Youth Solidarity (SYS) led by Stephan Gaiman and the proceeds of the profit from postcard sales will be handed over to the Association of Mountain Guides and Porters Association of Mount Kinabalu.
It will be followed by the final event on August 31, the flag parade in Ranau, and Merdeka Walk-Pinausok-Kundasang to be organised by the Chairman of SSPR Jalibin Paidi with the help of NGOs.
He explained that all the contingents, Convoy Spirit Of 1963 and walkers are expected to arrive in the afternoon at Kundasang.
Japiril also welcomed any individual or groups who wish to participate in the flotilla to join the walk or carry flags. Sabah Day program highlights will commence at 1 pm at the Kundasang Town, with cultural events, poetry recitations and the like.
Among the leaders expected to attend are Chairman of United Sabah Alliance (USA) Datuk Hj Mohd Noor Mansoor, Chairman of STAR Sabah Datuk Dr Jeffery Kitingan, SAPP President Datuk Yong Teck Lee, chairman of the Angkatan Perubahan Sabah (APS) Datuk Wilfred Bumburing, Chairman Sabah Change Movement (GPS) Datuk Kalakau Untol, Sabah People Movement (SAPRIM) Chairman Narawi Hj Ahmad, and other senior leaders of the parties and the coalition.
Meanwhile, he said that Sabah Day event has nothing to do with Bersih 4.0, as Sabah Day aims to revive the spirit of brotherhood, camaraderie and solidarity among Sabahans in commemorating Sabah's 52 years of Independence from British rule and "Sabahans' Spirit of 1963".
It is hoped that after organising such activities will bring and increase awareness among the people of Sabah and the world on the actual history of Sabah.
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