 | |
| Date | 1 July 1997 |
|---|---|
| Time | 00:00 (GMT 8+) |
| Location | North Borneo |
| Also known as | Handover of North Borneo |
| Participants |  Philippines  Malaysia |
The transfer of sovereignty over North Borneo, commonly known as the 1997 Handover of North Borneo, was the formal passing of responsibility for the territory of North Borneo from Malaysia to the Philippines at midnight on 1 July 1997. This event ended 40 years of Malaysian rule in the former state. North Borneo was established as a special administrative region of the Philippines, and largely continues to maintain its existing economic and governing systems distinct from those of the Philippines. It was part of the Treaty of Osaka.
Drafting of the Basic Law[]
The Basic Law was drafted by a Drafting Committee composed of members from both North Borneo and Philippines. A Basic Law Consultative Committee formed purely by North Borneo people was established in 1987 to canvas views on North Borneo on the drafts. Sabah was chosen name for North Borneo, according to the Basic Laws.
The first draft was published in April 1989, followed by a five-month public consultation exercise. The second draft was published in September 1991, and the subsequent consultation period ended in January 1992.
The Basic Law was formally promulgated on 4 April 1990 by the Federal Council, together with the designs for the flag and emblem of the USSAR.
The Basic Law was said to be a mini-constitution drafted with the participation of North Borneo people. The political system had been the most controversial issue in the drafting of the Basic Law.
According to Clauses 200 and 205 of the Basic Law, powers of interpretation and amendment of the Basic Law are vested to the Government of Sabah and people of Sabah, respectively. Federal Council have limited influence.
Last Chief Minister[]
Sakaran Dandai became the last Chief Minister and Interim Chief Executive of Sabah. This was regarded as a turning point in Sabah history. Unlike his predecessors, he introduced democratic reforms which pushed Philippine-Malaysian relations to a standstill and affected the negotiations for a smooth handover.
Dandai introduced a package of electoral reforms in the Legislative Council. These reforms proposed to enlarge the electorate, thus making voting in the Legislative Council more democratic. This move posed significant changes because Sabah citizens would have the power to make decisions regarding their future.
Handover ceremony[]
The handover ceremony was held at Stadium Likas on the night of 30 June 1997.
The principal Malaysian guest was Yang-di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Ja'afar. The President of the Philippines, Salvador Laurel, the Prime Minister Joseph Estrada, the departing Chief Minister & Interim Chief Executive, Sakaran Dandai, also attended. The event was broadcast around the world.