The sacred vow: Keningau Oath Stone and MA63
Published on: Monday, March 11, 2024
By: Datu Hishamuddin Datu Hasim
The Keningau Oath Stone serves as a tangible reminder of the solemn vows made between the people of Sabah and the Federation of Malaysia. © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas
NESTLED in the heart of Sabah, Malaysia, this sacred monument stands as a testament to the promises and aspirations bound within the Malaysia Agreement of 1963 (MA63).
The Keningau Oath Stone serves as a tangible reminder of the solemn vows made between the people of Sabah and the Federation of Malaysia.
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Using stones in a ceremony is a culture of civilisation all over the world.
This tradition is called “Megalithic Tradition”.
This custom involves monuments or large structures such as stones.
This tradition plays a role in various customs and cultures.
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The use of the Stone in a ceremony signifies the participation of the whole world, not only between humans and humans but all the spirit and spiritual fervour between the parties making a promise, then it is concluded with the blood of a sacrifice to bind an Oath that means the existence of elements outside of the ability people will happen when the oath is not kept together.
Its legacy embodies the spirit of unity, autonomy, and mutual respect that underpins Malaysia’s diverse cultural landscape.
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This Oath Stone is very significant because without this Oat Stone which is considered sacred, the local native leaders will not agree to the formation of Malaysia and this and this stone is considered a serious and genuine guarantee for the requested rights to remain preserved.
The Keningau Oath Stone, also known as Batu Sumpah, traces its origins to the historic events surrounding the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
As part of the negotiations leading to the creation of the federation, representatives from Sabah played a pivotal role in shaping the terms of the agreement.
According to the former state secretary, the late Tan Sri Richard Lind, who was very much involved in setting up the historical oath stone the primary purpose of the oath stone was to conciliate the rural native chiefs who had first opposed Sabah’s bid to join the Malaysian Federation.
The Keningau Oath Stone emerged as a physical embodiment of the terms agreed upon between the leaders of Sabah and the Malaysian government, a ritual known as maningolig, involving the sacrifice of an animal by a bobolian (traditional priest), was conducted in accordance with the traditional beliefs of the Dusun community to solidify the guarantees.
The Keningau Oath Stone was revealed and formally inaugurated on August 31, 1964, within the premises of the former Keningau District Office.
The ceremony was presided over by the Federal Minister of Labour, V. Manickavasagam, and attended by a gathering of state government dignitaries and community figures, including Chief Minister Muhammad Fuad Stephens, United Pasok Momogun Organisation leader GS Sundang, Keningau’s OCPD Ajamain Duraman, along with various traditional indigenous chiefs.
Although the ceremony was supposed to be attended by the heads of state, it can be seen that the local leaders at the ceremony took this ceremony seriously while the Federal government only sent representatives.
However, it is still undeniable that for the locals, embedded within the Keningau Oath Stone are the fundamental principles of autonomy, self-governance, and the preservation of native customs and traditions.
The oath, sworn by leaders representing the indigenous communities of Sabah, reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding the rights and interests of the people they represented.
It symbolised a solemn pact between Sabah and the Federation of Malaysia, founded on the principles of equality, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
On the other hand, The Malaysia Agreement of 1963, signed by the Federation of Malaya, North Borneo (Sabah), Sarawak, and Singapore, outlined the terms of Malaysia’s formation. Key provisions included the recognition of Sabah’s autonomy, the protection of native customs and land rights, and the equitable distribution of resources.
The Keningau Oath Stone encapsulates these principles, serving as a tangible reminder of the commitments made under the agreement.
In the decades following the signing of the Malaysia Agreement, the interpretation and implementation of its provisions have been subject to scrutiny and debate. Issues related to resource allocation, political representation, and the preservation of native rights have occasionally strained the relationship between Sabah and the federal government.
However, the Keningau Oath Stone continues to serve as a beacon of hope and a symbol of unity, inspiring renewed efforts to honour the spirit of MA63 and uphold the rights of all Malaysians.
This marks the initial reasons for the formation of Malaysia beginning with a very clear guarantee of unity and autonomy and we should always uphold that.
As Sabahans look towards the future, we do so with a sense of optimism and determination, guided by the principles enshrined in the Keningau Oath Stone and MA63.
We need to remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the rights, preserving our cultural heritage, and charting a path towards inclusive and sustainable development.
It is true we may come to a phase where we forget the basics, but we must always remember each other so as not to forget our rights and responsibilities.
Recently, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim in his speech during his Royal Address at the Third Session of the 15th Parliament ordered an urgent decree to hurry the fulfilment of MA63 as its significance as the foundation element of the nation.
This marks the strong expression from the highest level to fulfil MA63 implementation and the urgency of the delayed justice for Sabahan to be given back in order for the nation to gain the initial idea of shared prosperity between the nation.
To sum it all, the Keningau Oath Stone stands as a timeless testament to the enduring spirit of Sabahans. It serves as a beacon of hope, unity, and resilience, inspiring future generations to uphold the sacred vows forged in the crucible of history.
As Sabah continues its journey towards progress and prosperity, the legacy of the Keningau Oath Stone will endure as a symbol of pride, identity, and aspiration for all who call this land home.
It serves as a reminder that the spirit of unity and cooperation embodied within MA63 remains essential in shaping Malaysia’s collective future.
We should always remember that The Keningau Oath Stone represents more than just a historical artefact; it embodies the hopes, aspirations, and collective identity of the people of Sabah.
As guardians of this sacred vow, it is incumbent upon all Malaysians, especially Sabahans to honour the legacy of the Keningau Oath Stone and uphold the spirit of MA63 for generations to come.
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