On the eve of Malaysia Day, Sabah Chief Minister Mohd Shafie Apdal has urged Malaysians not to get carried away arguing about the comparative significance of Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day.

"Some people still contest the dates of the Merdeka Day and Malaysia Day celebrations, even though we know that Malaysia was formed on Sept 16, 1963.

"Let us not be too influenced by emotions until we forget what is more important, which is to fully understand the meaning of independence and translate that into our actions as Malaysians who love our country," he said in a statement today.

Merdeka Day on Aug 31 celebrates the anniversary of the Malaya from British colonial rule, while Malaysia Day on September 16 marks the formation of Malaysia.

In his statement, Shafie also reiterated the Sabah government's commitment to strengthening its relationship with Putrajaya.

"The Sabah government will continue negotiating and discussing with the federal government to improve the development agenda in the state, as well as ensuring all rights and privileges through the Malaysia Agreement 1963 continue to be upheld," he said.

Shafie also stressed that differences between communities in the country should not become an obstacle to development, but instead be celebrated to find common ground.

Several movements in East Malaysia, such as 'Sabah Sarawak Keluar Malaysia', have advocated for the two states to secede from the federation to become sovereign countries.