One of Sabah's most illustrious political figures, Tun Datu Haji Mustapha bin Datu Harun was born on 31 July 1918 at Kampung Limau Limauan, Kudat. At the age of 10, he worked as a houseboy for the Resident of Kudat, E W Morell. Thirty five years later, he became Sabah's first Head of State. Charismatic leader, World War II freedom fighter and the man who led Sabah into the union of Malaysia, thus securing its independence from the British, Tun Mustapha's contribution to Sabah's political maturity is immeasurable. He died on 3 January 1995 and was buried in Putatan. The Tun Mustapha Memorial, opened in September 1999, is located on a hill that was used as a base by rebel Mat Salleh prior to his attack on the British Settlement at Gaya Island in July 1897.