Sabah Malaysia Day Celebration Emphasises Youth Engagement, Historical Appreciation

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- A total of 300 students from higher learning institutions will perform in the choir during the Sabah State Level Malaysia Day Celebration on Sept 16, as part of efforts to instil appreciation for history and the spirit of independence among the younger generation.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin said youth involvement is a key component of this year's celebration, supporting efforts to ensure Malaysia Day is not just an annual event or public holiday.

"Malaysia Day is not just an annual celebration or a public holiday, but what is more important is its appreciation, especially among the younger generation.

"We aim to instil this awareness in our youth so they understand our history and the true meaning of independence, bringing them along as future leaders of our nation," he said.

Jafry, who is the chairman of the main organising committee for the 2026 Sabah State-Level Malaysia Day Celebration, said this during a press conference held in conjunction with the upcoming event here today.

Jafry said this year's celebration will take place at the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) and will be graced by Yang Dipertua Negeri Sabah Tun Musa Aman and Toh Puan Faridah Tussin.

He said the event will start at 8 pm with an expected turnout of over 3,000 people.

He added that visitors will have free parking at SICC and invited all Sabahans to turn out in full force to enliven the Malaysia Day celebration. The public can arrive as early as 6 pm.

The celebration will feature various cultural performances and local artists, coordinated by the Sabah Cultural Board.

-- BERNAMA