The Crown Colony of North Borneo, located in the northern region of Borneo, was one of the last colonies to achieve self-governance prior to eventual independence. Following World War II, the colony experienced a growing sentiment among its populace for greater autonomy and representation. This desire for self-determination led to negotiations with the British government, which were significantly influenced by the broader decolonization movement sweeping through Asia during the mid-20th century. Legislative Council elections in the early 1960s increased local political awareness and engagement, laying the groundwork for self-rule. On this significant day, the Governor of North Borneo, Sir William Goode, formally proclaimed self-governing status, which was received with wide-scale public celebrations and a sense of hope among the local people. The establishment of a local parliamentary system was lauded as a historic step towards autonomy that would empower native leaders and address local issues more effectively. The move was also part of broader discussions about the formation of Malaysia, which would later include North Borneo as a crucial component of the new federation. This milestone represented not just a transfer of power from colonial hands but also a transformation in the identity and governance of North Borneo.