KUALA LUMPUR – There is no need to raise fear on matters related to freedom of religion, authority over land, and upholding of Sabah and Sarawak’s native customs and traditions, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Seri Maximus Ongkili.
He said this is because these rights are protected under guaranteed status according to the federal constitution and Sabah and Sarawak laws, as well as existing policies.
“If there is abuse of power that affects freedom or results in unfair actions by any party against these basic rights, the matter can be brought to court, or raised in Parliament or the respective state assemblies for further action,” he told the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was replying to Lim Kit Siang (PH-Iskandar Puteri) on the government’s plan and time frame to table the agreements inscribed on the Keningau Oath Stone.
Ongkili said the three agreements on the oath stone have been stipulated as guaranteed rights for Sabah under the federal constitution.
The three agreements are: freedom of religion in Sabah, the state government having authority over land in Sabah, and native customs and traditions will be respected and upheld by the government.
The Keningau Oath Stone is a monument erected by local leaders in 1964 based on the state’s native customs and Keningau district’s belief system after Sabah agreed to be part of Malaysia. – Bernama, December 14, 2020
