A POLICE report was lodged, and a heated debate has erupted over a symbolic act performed at the Keningau Oath Stone, with critics linking it to the district's recent severe floods.
Cultural activists claim that politicians disrupted the spiritual balance by pouring water on the monument without following indigenous rights.
The Dayak Ritual Authentic Fellowship (Draf) and The Alliance of Sabah Sarawak Indigenous Peoples Organisation (Goass) lodged a report, claiming the act violated sacred customs.
Activist Andrew Ambrose Mudi, also known as Atama, likened the incident to the 2015 Mount Kinabalu earthquake, which was similarly attributed to a breach of sacred traditions.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah leaders defended the act, saying it was a symbolic gesture, not a ritual.
Organising chairman Raymond Ahuar accused detractors of inciting hatred and politicising the issue.
“There is no standard procedure for visiting the Oath Stone,” he said, refuting claims that the floods were divine retribution.
He added that authorities had approved the visit, which also included the release of doves as a symbol of peace.
Atama called for the Keningau Native Court to intervene, citing indigenous rights under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
He urged the Sabah government to respect traditional customs and conduct studies on the monument’s cultural impact.
The Keningau Oath Stone, erected in 1964, marks Sabah’s entry into Malaysia and embodies federal promises to the state.
It was moved to the Keningau Heritage Museum in 2018.
Keningau police confirmed receiving a report on the matter, as the debate continues whether the act was a tribute or a violation.
In response, Sabah DAP vice chairman Jannie Lasimbang clarified that the intention of Sabah PH leaders were purely to pay respect and honour the oath stone which is held in high regard by the indigenous communities in the state.
“If anyone, especially the bobohizan as spiritual leaders and the Ketua Adat, consider our action of honouring the oath stone as not in harmony with the adat, then we sincerely apologise.
“I remain committed to what the Oath Stone represents, and I will continue to assist the orang asal to secure their rights to their lands and to gain respect for their adat and dignity.
Lasimbang reiterated that it was DAP that had fought for and succeeded in restoring the words “Kerajaan Malaysia Jamin” which went missing at one time from the plaque.
She said DAP also raised awareness on the importance of the Oath Stone, and a campaign starting in 2014 also succeeded in erecting nine replicas of the Oath Stone in several districts including in Penampang, Merotai, Keningau, Tenom, Inanam, Sook and Matunggong. – February 8, 2026
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