The status of the relocation of the “Oath Stone” is at a stage where the design of the new site is being finalised, according to the Malaysia Tourism and Culture Ministry.

Work to relocate the “Oath Stone” will be carried out in April, after the new site is cleared and ready. This project is expected to be completed early next year.

The ministry is responding to the call from Parti Solidariti Tanahairku (Star) president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan to the government to honour its pledge to relocate the Oath Stone or Batu Sumpah with the missing words reinstated.

Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Nazri Aziz had said two years ago that the Oath Stone, bearing the words “Kerajaan Malaysia Jamin” (The Government of Malaysia Guarantees), would be relocated from the Keningau District Office to a piece of land near the Heritage Museum.

Nazri announced an allocation of RM1 million which had been approved by the Federal Government.

Jeffrey is puzzled over the delay considering the fund had been approved and suggests that the Federal Government is not serious, yet at the  same time keeps assuring on Sabah’s rights and privileges.

“It seems that the Federal Government is not serious and not committed to move the Oath Stone although it had made a promise and announced the fund,” he said.

He said based on his observation, no work had even started to relocate Oath Stone which was erected in Keningau on 31 August 1964, guaranteeing the rights of Sabah natives in the federation of Malaysia.

The Oath Stone served as a reminder to the Federal Government of its obligation to honour the key aspects of the 20-Point agreement made before the formation of Malaysia in 1963.

Source:
courtesy of THE BORNEO POST

by BORNEO POST

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