Keningau Oath Stone

Reservations to the formation of Malaysia

The proposal to form a larger federation of Malaysia comprising the recently independent nation of the Federation of Malaya, the British protectorate of Brunei, and the British Crown Colonies of North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore had met with some initial opposition from influential community leaders within the respective territories.

The North Borneo Legislative Council finally agreed to accede to the Malaysia Agreement on 12 September 1962 after presenting the 20-point agreement written by Fuad Stephens during the negotiations to form Malaysia. Despite this development, considerable apprehension and reservations still existed among the traditional native chiefs of Sabah known as the Orang Kaya-Kaya regarding the rights of the state within the new federation.

Guarantees set in stone

After a series of discussion and consultation, a proposal was made by the State Legislative Opposition Leader and traditional native chief, G. S. Sundang and his brother Datuk OKK Sedomon of the United Pasok-Momogun Kadazan Organisation (later re-organised as the United Pasok Nunukragang National Organisation, to erect an oath stone summarising the guarantees given by the Malaysian government to Sabah while reiterating the loyalty of the people of the Interior to Malaysia.

The District Officer of Keningau, Richard Lind (later to become the State Secretary of Sabah), was charged to oversee the erection of the oath stone and suitable boulder was taken from the Pegalan River near Kampung Dangulad, a small village in Keningau and carved by Garukon Gurun, former Sergeant Major of the legendary North Borneo Constabulary. A plaque was commissioned and made by the Thornycroft Shipyard in Singapore to be affixed to the stone.

Oath stone unveiled

The Keningau Oath Stone was finally unveiled and officiated on 31 August 1964 at the compound of the old Keningau District Office. The event was officiated by the Federal Minister of Labour, V. Manickavasagam and witnessed by state officials and community leaders including the Chief Minister, Donald Stephens of the United National Kadazan Organisation, G. S. Sundang, Ajamain bin Duraman the Chief of Police in Keningau, and other traditional native chiefs.

A Maningolig ritual with an animal sacrifice by a Bobolian (traditional priest) was held in accordance with the traditional beliefs of the Dusun people to bind the guarantees.

Plaque Inscription

The inscription on the plaque affixed to the Keningau Oath Stone is in the Malay language written in the old spelling system (pre-1972 Spelling Reform):

Batu Sumpah Peringatan Mengikut Parlambaga'an

1. Ugama Bebas Dalam Sabah
2. Tanah2 Dalam Sabah Di-Kuasa Oleh Kerajaan Sabah
3. Adat Istiadat Anak Rayat Sabah Di-hormatkan dan Di-pelihara Oleh Kerajaan

Translated, it reads:

Memorial Oath Stone according to the Constitution

1. Freedom of Religion in Sabah
2. The Government of Sabah Holds Authority over Land in Sabah
3. Native Customs and Traditions Will Be Respected and Upheld by the Government

Trivia

In commemoration of Malaysia Day in 2010, Parti Keadilan Rakyat led by state party leader, Jeffrey Kitingan, re-enacted the Maningolig ritual at the monument. The sacrificed rooster was later found to be alive despite having its neck slit. Jeffrey Kitingan noted that this was possibly a symbolic reminder that not all the terms of the Malaysia Agreement had been honoured.

Controversy and criticism

During Malaysia Day celebration on 16 September 2014, the inscription of the stone was found to have been tampered with. The three words "Kerajaan Malaysia Jamin" (The Government of Malaysia guarantees) was removed from below the title "Batu Sumpah Peringatan Mengikut Parlambaga'an" (Memorial Oath Stone according to the Constitution). On 6 July 2015, the original plaque of the inscription was reportedly found by a resident staying in Kampung Apin-Apin. The plaque was later handed over to Sabah state assemblyman Jeffrey Kitingan. Meanwhile, Jeffrey has decided to hand over the plaque to Sabah chief minister Musa Aman in the next Sabah State Legislative Assembly sitting. However, Sabah Museum Director, Joanna Kitingan, who is also Jeffrey's sister, expressed doubt about the originality of the newly discovered plaque.

On 30 January 2015, it was proposed that the oath stone would be relocated to the compound of Keningau Land and Survey Department with the missing words reinstated. In February 2016, the oath stone was proposed to be moved to Keningau Heritage Museum and will be gazetted as National Heritage Site.

The continuous delaying for relocation as well with the high cost reason for restoration from the federal government have been criticised by Sabahan politicians and perceived by them as the federal government did not have a real intention in keeping its promise. However, despite the persistent delays, Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Joseph Kurup pledge that the stone will be restored and relocate together with the missing words of 'Kerajaan Malaysia Jamin'.