How did Sabah become part of Malaysia?

Rosnani Sogondu was only 30 when the Cobbold Commission 'explored' Sabah to get the North Borneo-ians' opinion on the plan to form Malaysia.

She was then a part of United Kadazan National Organisation (UNKO), a representative entrusted with the task of joining the proses of 'tinjauan suara', or a survey to understand the voices of the people.

Rosnani, now 81, told Astro AWANI reporter, Arfa Yunus, when interviewed in her home at Kota Kinabalu recently that the story of the early days, was fading from the people's memories.

“Today’s generation must understand the history," she said.

UNKO, which Rosnani was part of, was a political party formed in 1961 to represent Kadazan Dusun-Murut ethnic.

The party was led by Datuk Donald Stephens (later known as Tun Fuad Stephens) who went on to be the first Sabah’s Chief Minister.

Unfortunately, the party was disbanded after three years and merged with another party forming United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation (UPKO).

In the interview, Rosanani explained how the commission started, what the Sabahans thought of it and their understanding at the time in regards to the formation of Malaysia.