Sept 16 is not merely a day of personal celebration; it’s one that brings back memories of the struggles of Sabah’s leaders in the formation of Malaysia.

Yannik expressed pride not only at celebrating his birthday on the same day as Malaysia Day, but 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 it 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’s a public holiday! Even now, I joke with my friends by reminding them that my birthday is so special, all Malaysians are given the day off,” he told Bernama with a laugh.

Yannik said he was impressed by the determination of his late grandfather, who would walk for days through the jungle to remote areas to convince the people of Sabah to support the formation of Malaysia.

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

“One of the stories he used to share was how he and several other local leaders toured the development of Felda settlements in Malaya to convince Sabah leaders of the benefits of joining,” Yannik recalled.

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.

Yannik noted, however, that while constitutional aspects such as immigration, education and health powers were given to Sabah, certain others have not been implemented. This, he said, had left his grandfather feeling “a little regretful and disappointed”.

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

Nevertheless, the former works minister’s grandson is grateful that Malaysia is a peaceful and harmonious nation today.

“I feel that the future of the country, especially Sabah, is bright based on the policies of the Madani and state government, which are designed to prosper and also improve the sustainability and development of Malaysia.”

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

Yannik, a graduate from Northumbria University in England, said his grandfather had adhered to the principles of not giving up, and to always be confident and believe in the will of Allah.

And thanks to Ghani’s family-oriented nature, his children and grandchildren miss the times they used to get together during festive seasons, Yannik added.