Keningau leaders support heritage status for Oath Stone
KENINGAU: The community leaders here support the move to make the Oath Stone a National Heritage as it is the only such object in the country.
"In addition, the Oath Stone is also a valuable historical material for the people of the state, especially interior residents," said former Keningau District Officer Haji Zulkifli Nasir.
He said the stone was a contributor to peace, prosperity, unity and harmony of the people of the state as well as the unification of the people of various races and religions towards the idea of 1Malaysia since more than 50 years ago.
Zulkif li also welcomed the statement by Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Nazri Abdul Azizi to make the Oath Stone a National Heritage besides reinstating the word ‘Kerajaan Malaysia Jamin’ on the plaque.
"In view of the significance of the Oath Stone in the formation of Malaysia, it is a matter of historical value and must be preserved for future generations.
"I also very much agree to the proposed sites set up for the Keningau Heritage Museum as well as the suitability of the location that is easily accessible for the public as well as tourists to visit," he said.
Bingkor Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) deputy chief Victor Anahong described the gazetting of the Oath Stone as a National Heritage as the federal government's official recognition of its history.
He said this had been eagerly awaited by the people of Sabah, especially in the Interior to uphold the history of the formation of Malaysia through the Oath Stone.
"It is also in line with the interior people's aspirations in general and Sabah in particular and this gives a clear picture of the Malaysian government's concern over the contents of the agreement and the oath which was signed during the formation of Malaysia," he said.
Victor was confident that by making this Oath Stone a National Heritage, nobody will dispute it because it has become the property of all citizens in the country.
Both Zulkifli and Victor were asked to comment on Nazri's announcement on making the Oath Stone a National Heritage when he visited Keningau on Friday.
Nazri said the Oath Stone would be gazetted as a heritage object under Section 49 of the National Heritage Act 2005 based on its importance and significance in Sabah’s history, especially in the formation of Malaysia.
He also gave assurance on fulfilling his decision to reinstate the word ‘Kerajaan Malaysia Jamin’ in the Oath Stone.