Sep
02
I came across this piece of writing or rather a note posted by one of my favourite local writers - Mdm. Tina Kisil. She's a local Sabahan and has written a wonderful book entitled "Footprints in the paddy fields". I love reading the book as it was written in such a way that actually triggered my childhood memories. Not totally the same as hers but at least some of it.
Just to prove that I bought the book and read it! *wink*
However, this post is not about the book but I just want to share with you an interesting fact or rather a note written by her (Tina Kisil) in her Facebook page.
DO YOU KNOW that the Sabah state anthem was aired over Radio Sabah for the very first time on 19 July 1963? It was performed by the North Borneo Police Force and broadcast 43 days before Sabah was granted self-rule by the British government. The government (still British then) held a competition which attracted 35 entries. The winning entry was composed by Mr. Henri Boniface Hermann (1888 – 1964). He was a Pole (native of Poland… nothing to do with pole dancing ah!) and grew up in Poland before he became a citizen of Singapore.
The following is the anthem and the official translation:
Sabah tanahairku
Negeri kita yang tercinta
Pemuda pemudi
Semua marilah
Bangunlah bersatu semua
Marilah bersama serta maju jaya
Merdeka sepanjang masa
Bersatu segala bangsa sentosa
Sabah negeri merdeka.
Sabah, my homeland
Our beloved state
Men and women, come
Arise all together
Come together to be successful
Always staying Independent
Unite all, nation prospers
Sabah, the independent state.
It’s a pity that many youngsters (and even learned oldsters!!) are confused about the date of Sabah’s independence. Apparently, they have been led to believe that Sabah gained independence on 31 August 1957. Wrong, people!
I got the following info from the North Borneo Herald, a blog I came across, and want to share it with you. Of course I’ve known the details all along because I was already in Primary Six when the British granted self-rule to Sabah on 31 August 1963.
History of Sabah: A quick history lesson for you!
Original name: State of North Borneo (founded in 1881)
I hope I have been able to help clear some confusion, especially regarding the day Sabah gained independence as well as the day Malaysia was born. Every time you sing our state anthem, please say a silent prayer and ask the Almighty to bless our homeland so we will continue to live in harmony in spite of our ethnic, religious and cultural diversities.
Thank you madam for such a wonderful info!
Hi Steve... I was lurking around and somehow landed here on your blog. What happened to your friend Dominic's blog? Abandoned or what? Anyway, thanks for saying something good about Footprints. Nice pic of you with the book!
I'm happy to note that my article about the Sabah state anthem caught your eye. It's meant for young people like you, esp Sabahans.
Nice blog you have here. I've been here once or twice. Read about your heat stroke. Take care!
TinaKisil
Thank u for visiting my blog mdm! Really appreciate that.
I think Dominic's is too busy and have no time to update his blog. Yep. Talking about a job as a tourist guide. Pretty much sure he's busy touring around.
I'm excited to read your next masterpiece! :)
hmm...though I'm not the reading type, but I guess i'll put the book in my wish list for christmas...mau cri tu buku jgk ohh~