By Olivia Miwil
KOTA KINABALU: The contributions of Sabah's first chief minister remain a lasting legacy that affirms the nation's strength derives from unity, mutual respect and the willingness to work together for a shared future.
National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang said Tun Fuad Stephens, born Donald Aloysius Marmaduke Stephens, was a towering figure whose contributions to Sabah's development and the formation of Malaysia are immeasurable.
"He is widely regarded as the principal architect of Sabah's independence and a key figure in the establishment of Malaysia in 1963.
"His contributions extended beyond state development. They also had a profound impact on uniting the territories that eventually formed the sovereign nation of Malaysia.
"As Sabah's first chief minister, he played a crucial role in negotiations leading to the formation of Malaysia, particularly in ensuring that Sabah's rights and interests were safeguarded through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the 20-Point Agreement," he said.
Aaron was speaking during the "Tun Fuad Stephens Statesman Remembrance Programme: The Legacy of Huguan Siou in Building the Nation-State" here.
Present were Huguan Siou and former chief minister Tan Sri Pairin Kitingan and Fuad's daughter Fauziah.
Aaron said Fuad, who was also the fifth chief minister of Sabah, introduced the name "Sabah" to replace "North Borneo", an important step in shaping the state's political identity and sense of self within Malaysia.
Fuad, he added, also championed the recognition of the Kaamatan Festival as an official celebration and public holiday.
Aaron said, in strengthening Sabah's identity, the father of six who was made Huguan Siou (paramount leader) in 1960, was respected not only by the Kadazandusun community, but also served as a bridge of unity among Sabah's diverse ethnic groups and between Sabah, Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak.
In 1961, he founded the United National Kadazan Organisation (Unko), a political platform aimed at uniting and advancing the interests of the Kadazandusun people.
"Through this platform, he amplified local voices, including through the publication of the North Borneo News and Sabah Times.
"It served as important channels for expressing public aspirations before the formation of Malaysia," said Aaron.
He said Fuad's greatest sacrifice in prioritising unity was demonstrated in 1967 when he dissolved Unko and merged it with the United Sabah National Organisation (Usno).
He added that such an action showed that he placed the interests of national unity and stability above personal or political interests.
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