TUARAN MP Datuk Seri Wilfred Madius Tangau has pointed out additional transgressions to Sabah’s rights, other than just the non-implementation of the terms within the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63).
Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, he said Sabah has over the years also suffered infringements of principles inscribed on the Keningau Oath Stone.
The monument was erected by local leaders in 1964 based on the state’s native customs after Sabah (then North Borneo) had agreed to merge with Sarawak, Singapore and the Federation of Malaya to form Malaysia the year before.
Tangau stated that Sabah’s rights to religious freedom have become threatened.
He said that it has also suffered a lack of compensation after Labuan island, which was part of the state, was handed over to federal hands.
He also claimed that there is no equity ownership in the 124,389 hectares of land in Sabah that was allocated to the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda).
"These actions blatantly breach the Keningau Oath Stone agreement," he said during a parliamentary session today.
Tangau also reminded Putrajaya to fully implement all the terms of the Malaysia Agreement 1963 by July this year.
The Keningau Oath Stone was unveiled on August 30, 1964, about two weeks before the first anniversary of Malaysia Day on September 16.
It was aimed to allay concerns among traditional native chiefs in Sabah regarding the state's rights within the Federation of Malaysia.
Engraved on it to this day are three principles in old Malay orthography.
The stone emphasises the importance of freedom of religion in Sabah, asserts the authority of the Sabah government over land in the state, and underscores the need for the government to respect and preserve native customs and traditions.
In return, the people of the interior of Sabah pledge their loyalty to the Malaysian government, it says – The Vibes, March 5, 2024
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