Usbo president Salleh Said Keruak said the date signifies the foundation of modern governance in Sabah with the establishment of the British North Borneo Chartered Company.

“Sabah Formation Day is an opportunity to honour our shared history as we look forward to a bright future for all Sabahans,” he said in a Facebook post.

Salleh, a former chief minister, added that the event will showcase Sabah’s rich history, cultural heritage, and development.

“It will feature cultural performances, exhibitions, and community engagement activities, highlighting Sabah’s unity and progress over the past 143 years,” the Usukan assemblyman said.

Salleh added that the event would also recognise the contributions of various Muslim Bumiputera communities in Sabah, including the Bajau, Ubian, Malay, Iranun, and Suluk, to the state’s historical and cultural evolution.

Under the British North Borneo Company, Sabah was administered as a British protectorate.

Its first governor was William Clarke Cowie, who was appointed in 1881. His role, and those of his successors, was to manage the colony, ensure the implementation of company policies, and oversee the development of infrastructure, economy, and social systems in Sabah.

In July, it was reported that the state government had gazetted Aug 31 as Sabah Day.

Sabah, then known as British North Borneo, was granted self-government on Aug 31, 1963, which the state regards as its day of independence. Sabah joined the federation of Malaya, Sarawak and Singapore, to form Malaysia on Sept 16 of the same year.