Pakatan Harapan leaders' visit to the Keningau Oath Stone triggers debate over customary practices and potential connection to recent floods.
The visit of Pakatan Harapan leaders, including Datuk Ewon Benedict, Datuk Ginger Phoong, and Jannie Lasimbang, to the Keningau Oath Stone on January 25, 2025, sparked controversy. While the leaders stated their intention was purely to pay respects and honor the stone, some parties, particularly Datin Seri Cecilia Edwin, wife of Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, criticized the act as breaching local customs and potentially linked it to recent flash floods in Keningau.
Jannie Lasimbang, the Kepayan assemblyman, emphasized that their visit aimed to acknowledge the significance of the Oath Stone, which she believes represents the core principles of the Malaysia Agreement (MA63). She stressed its role in guaranteeing Sabah's freedom of religion, land control by the Sabah government, and respect for native customary practices (adat). Lasimbang further highlighted the Democratic Action Party (DAP)'s efforts to restore the missing words 'Kerajaan Malaysia Jamin' to the Oath Stone's plaque and raise awareness about its importance. This led to the erection of nine replicas throughout Sabah, including Penampang, Merotai, Keningau, Tenom, Inanam, Sook, and Matunggong.Meanwhile, Upko Penampang Youth chief Billy Joe Dominic accused Cecilia Edwin of diverting attention from the actual causes of the Keningau floods. He asserted that her accusations against the Oath Stone visit were unfounded
Culture Keningau Oath Stone MA63 Kampung Adat Sabah Politics
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