Born On Malaysia Day, Yannik Fondly Recalls Late Grandfather's Struggles

By Suraidah Roslan

KOTA KINABALU, Sept 14 (Bernama) -- On Sept 16, lawyer Yannik Mohd Anuar will not only celebrate his birthday, but also fondly reflect on the services of his grandfather, the late Tan Sri Ghani Gilong, who fought to bring Sabah into the Federation of Malaysia.

That date is not merely a day of personal celebration, but one that brings back memories of the struggles of Sabah's leaders in the formation of Malaysia.

He also expressed his pride at not only celebrating his birthday on the same day as Malaysia Day, but also at being the grandson of a local leader who strived to convince the people of Sabah of the need to join the Federation of Malaysia.

"When I was just seven, I was already told by my family members that Sept 16 is a significant date in the country's history. I was told that was the date that Malaysia was formed, and also the birthday of the then Yang Dipertua Negeri Sabah.

"I feel proud because every time I celebrate my birthday, it is a public holiday! Even now, I often joke with my friends by reminding them that my birthday is so special that all Malaysians are given the day off,” he laughingly told Bernama.

Yannik said he was most impressed with the determination shown by his late grandfather, who would walk for days through the jungle to remote areas to convince the people of Sabah back then to join in the formation of Malaysia.

When he was 10, Yannik began to understand his grandfather’s struggles with the late Tun Datu Mustapha and Tun Fuad Stephens in convincing the people of Sabah to agree to the formation of Malaysia through the Cobbold Commission.

"One of the stories my late grandfather used to share with me was how he and several local leaders were taken to tour the development of Felda settlements in Malaya, before the formation of Malaysia, to convince Sabah leaders of the benefits of joining,” he said.

He added that during the formation of Malaysia, the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) was signed as a condition for Sabah and Sarawak to join the Federation of Malaysia.

Although constitutional aspects such as immigration, education and health powers were given to Sabah, there are still some aspects that have not been implemented, and that's why, he said, his grandfather felt a little regretful and disappointed.

"Granddad would often say that his struggle was not over yet. He had high hopes of seeing Sabah developing like it was promised during their visit to the Felda settlement in 1962,” he said.

However, the former Works Minister's grandson is grateful that Malaysia is today a peaceful and harmonious nation.

"I feel that the future of Malaysia, especially Sabah, is bright based on the policies of the MADANI government and state government. The current policies are designed to prosper and also improve the sustainability and development of Malaysia,” he said.

He also appreciated the government's efforts to hold the Malaysia Day celebrations alternately between the Peninsula, Sabah and Sarawak in an effort to commemorate the date of the formation of this country.

Yannik, a graduate from Northumbria University, England, said that his grandfather's life principles were not to give up easily and to always be confident and believe in the will of Allah.

His grandfather’s family-oriented nature made his children and grandchildren miss the times they used to get together during festive seasons.

Now, as a lawyer working at a law firm handling civil cases, Yannik holds fast to the principles and advice of his late grandfather.

-- BERNAMA