A symbolic act at the Keningau Oath Stone has set off a storm of controversy, with critics blaming the recent severe floods in the district on what they claim was a disruption of sacred traditions.
Two indigenous rights groups, the Dayak Ritual Authentic Fellowship (Draf) and The Alliance of Sabah Sarawak Indigenous Peoples Organisation (Goass), have lodged a police report alleging that the act—pouring water on the monument—violated sacred customs.
The event refers to a visit by Sabah Pakatan Harapan leaders led by Datuk Ewon Benedick to the Batu Sumpah (Oath Stone) in Keningau last January 25.
This visit symbolized a reflection on the formation of the Federation of Malaysia, as outlined in the MA63.
As part of the ceremony, four doves were released, symbolizing the people’s democracy and the shared responsibility of the four component parties of PH Sabah in building a better future for the people.
Local activist, Andrew Ambrose Mudi, also known as Atama, had linked the incident to the 2015 Mount Kinabalu earthquake, which local beliefs tied a deadly tremor to disrespectful behavior by tourists on the sacred mountain.
Pakatan Harapan (PH) Sabah leaders, however, are pushing back.
Organising chairman Raymond Ahuar insists the act was purely symbolic and not a ritual, accusing critics of exploiting the issue for political mileage.
“There is no standard procedure for visiting the Oath Stone,” he said, refuting claims that the floods were divine retribution.
He maintains that the event, which also included the release of doves, was approved by local authorities.
Atama has since called for the Keningau Native Court to intervene, arguing that indigenous rights, as recognized under the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), must be upheld.
He is urging the state government to conduct a study on the monument’s cultural significance.
The Keningau Oath Stone, erected in 1964 to mark Sabah’s entry into Malaysia, stands as a reminder of the federal government’s commitments to the state. It was relocated to the Keningau Heritage Museum in 2018.
Keningau police have confirmed receiving a report on the matter, as tensions mount over whether the event was a respectful tribute or a breach of indigenous customs. – February 8, 2026
