Keningau district officer Peter Jonu Moinjil said the Oath Stone should be upheld as proof that the people of Sabah accepted the formation of Malaysia under specific conditions, including the protection of customary rights, religious freedom, and land ownership.

He said the Oath Stone serves as a safeguard to ensure the nation’s development policies remain true to the spirit of the 1963 Malaysia Agreement (MA63), and must be preserved as a national heritage treasure.

“The Oath Stone was officially unveiled on Aug 31, 1964 by labour minister V Manickavasagam, in the presence of Sabah chief minister Fuad Stephens and senior state government officials.

“It is a symbol closely tied to the agreements made by local communities before joining Malaya, where the people of Sabah took a pledge that was inscribed on the stone,” he told Bernama.

Sabah was originally a British colony, but the territory was willing to join a larger nation in a spirit of cooperation and harmony.

This reflects the effort to build a united multiethnic, multicultural and multireligious nation, assuring that Sabah’s identity as part of Malaysia would be recognised and respected.

Peter said the district office and the state museum department are seeking official recognition to have the Keningau Oath Stone gazetted as a state or national heritage site.

“With this recognition, the historic site will be afforded ongoing protection under stricter laws. The documentation process is underway, and we hope it will be officially gazetted soon.”

Peter noted that while many young Sabahans may know of the Oath Stone, they often do not fully understand its significance and symbolism.

He said there are plans to construct a replica of the Oath Stone at Dataran Keningau as a new tourist attraction.

Meanwhile, Keningau district chief Ramanus Michael @ Sogunting said a commemorative ceremony known as “bobolian” is held at the Keningau Oath Stone every Sept 16, led by traditional Kadazan-Dusun-Murut-Rungus spiritual leaders.

He said visitors to the Oath Stone must observe certain taboos, such as remaining in a state of purity and not harbouring any ill intentions. Anyone who violates the rules may face a fine or “sogit”, which requires offering a livestock animal such as a cow or buffalo.

The original Oath Stone – a small stone set beside a large boulder – is inscribed with pledges concerning customary rights, religious freedom, and land. The 60cm river stone is used in the annual ritual ceremony on Malaysia Day.

The Keningau Oath Stone was originally positioned in front of the land office, then later relocated to the district office, and is now preserved at the Keningau Heritage Museum.