CM hails late prominent journalist’s book as valuable addition to Sabah historical literature

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 14): Sabah’s prominent journalist, the late Datuk Mohd Fauzi Patel, shared his insights into Sabah’s political history in the new book “What Sabahans Should Know”, which Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor described as a valuable addition to the state’s historical literature.

Hajiji said the book offers a comprehensive look at key events and controversies in Sabah, both before and after the formation of Malaysia, from the perspective of one of the state’s most respected journalists.

“I believe writing history books is a highly valuable undertaking because it enables us to view events from multiple perspectives and provides the context needed to interpret what we observe.

“Therefore, this book is timely – offering a perspective narrated by the late Datuk Mohd Fauzi Patel, a journalism figure well known in Sabah’s history,” he said at the book launch at the Sabah State Library here.

Hajiji’s speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

“The title of this book itself invites us to think critically. It suggests there are still many aspects of Sabah’s political history that are not yet fully understood by the public, and it highlights the need for more comprehensive documentation and wider public discourse,” he added.

Hajiji also congratulated Datuk James Sarda and Datuk Dr Danny Wong for their efforts in publishing the book.

“I am confident this book will become an important reference, whether as supplementary reading or as an alternative perspective on Sabah’s political history,” he said.

He added that Sabah needs more works of this kind, especially as issues such as the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) continue to be discussed.

“There are still many past events that must be understood more clearly, because the impact of those events continues to be felt to this day,” he said.

The book compiles Mohd Fauzi’s views, observations and notes on various issues and controversies involving Sabah, both before and after the formation of Malaysia, some of which remain relevant and continue to be discussed today.

Mohd Fauzi began his journalism career in 1954 as Sabah’s first full-time journalist, when the state was still known as British North Borneo. Over the years, he worked with major media organisations, including the Sabah Times, Sabah Times – North Borneo News, Kinabalu Times and Kinabalu Sabah Times.

He also wrote a Sunday column for the Daily Express, analysing Sabah-related issues as well as national developments affecting the state.