Book on Sir Charles James Jessel, after whom Jesselton was named, launched by his great-grandson
KOTA KINABALU: For much of his life, George Jessel was unaware that a quaint town in Sabah had been named after his great-grandfather.
He has spent the last few years retracing his family’s connection with Jesselton, as Kota Kinabalu was formerly known, culminating in a book that was launched here in Hyatt Regency Hotel today.
“No one ever mentioned anything about Jesselton until my father told me about its significance during a phone call many years ago,” he said, adding that the revelation sparked his fascination with Sabah.
The state capital began life as the town of Api-Api, before it was taken over in 1899 by the British North Borneo Company (BNBC) and transformed into their new administrative centre.
It was renamed Jesselton, after Sir Charles James Jessel, who was vice chairman of BNBC.
The name was retained until 1967, when it was changed to Kota Kinabalu.
“Sadly, Sir Charles himself never visited Jesselton. I myself flew here (from the United Kingdom) in 2011, and later felt a need to write down my thoughts and add a little bit of history for my children to read,” said George.
In his book, George explores the role his great-grandfather had in Jesselton, while also recounting his time spent in the bustling capital city of Sabah.
“It is a great honor to write this book. And while I’m not a writer, I want to carry on my family’s legacy here by writing about this beautiful city,” enthused George, 60.
State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun who was guest of honor during the launch, said the British had left behind an impressionable mark in Sabah’s history.
“There are many parts or landmarks of Sabah named after prominent British figures – such as Beaufort, Atkinson, and Weston.
“Like them, Jesselton lives on, even if it is now called Kota Kinabalu. There are so many more stories that can be told about the state’s history.
“This, I hope, will be a catalyst and launch a series of books that can be written about that part of our history,” he said.
Source: New Straits Times
