Kota Kinabalu: Improper ceremonial rites performed on the Keningau Oath Stone are being blamed for the floods in the district lately which have been among the worst.
Cultural activists assert that those who performed rituals at the oath stone improperly had disturbed the spiritual balance.
AdvertisementA police report to this effect was lodged by the Dayak Ritual Authentic Fellowship (Draf) and The Alliance of Sabah Sarawak Indigenous Peoples Organisation (Goass). Atama
Permanent Representative to the United Nations for the Dayak International Organisation Andrew Ambrose Mudi or Atama Katama, referred to politicians splashing water on the sacred monument without adhering to traditional customs.
SPONSORED CONTENT How Spritzer’s silica rich natural mineral water makes your skin healthier When it comes to skincare, the first thought on our minds would be beauty products such as serums, creams, and masks. However, beauty experts and even researchers have stated that drinking more water can be just as crucial for your skin's health. Read more “Acts of disrespect can invoke nature's wrath,” he said, referencing past incidents such as the 2015 earthquake, which was similarly linked by local beliefs to a breach of sacred customs on Mount Kinabalu where western tourists peeled off their clothes on Mount Kinabalu.
Atama, who is also Mopot (Defenders of Ancestral Lands Tambunan) President, said Draf and Goass are seeking the intervention of the Keningau Native Court to address what they describe as a cultural violation.
AdvertisementThe Native Court, which holds a unique position in Sabah and Sarawak, is being called upon to mediate such disputes to uphold indigenous customs.
The police report by Draf and Goass followed the recent summon issued by the Keningau Native Court against social activist Fahmi Reza for publishing a caricature insulting Head of State Tun Musa Aman.
AdvertisementThe caricature, widely shared on social media and painted on public buildings, is seen as a serious insult to Musa and the people of Sabah, especially the Kadazan Dusun Murut (KDM) community. The decision was made during a special meeting of customary chiefs in Keningau.
Atama highlighted the global recognition of indigenous rights, citing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
“Indigenous peoples worldwide are custodians of their sacred domains, and any infringement on these rights should be addressed with utmost seriousness,” he said, urging the Sabah Government to respect the customs and beliefs of its Indigenous population.
Atama also urged the State Tourism, Environment and Culture Ministry to conduct a scientific study on the social, environmental, and customary impacts of the Keningau Oath Stone.
He suggested that such research could contribute to a Unesco World Heritage nomination for the Keningau Batu Sumpah, focusing on linguistic, governance, security, and scientific aspects.
Atama also acknowledged the economic and material consequences of the Keningau floods but emphasised that the police report by Draf and Goass was not meant to cause harm but to seek reconciliation with nature and the spirits through proper rites.
“These police reports and legal actions are not about retribution but restoration – restoring balance with nature, honouring our sacred spaces, and ensuring our cultural practices are respected,” he said.
Atama further warned that Sabah’s indigenous cultures face extinction by 2060 due to declining populations and the erosion of native languages and traditions.
He commended the efforts of indigenous youth in revitalising sacred practices and called upon all Sabahans to take pride in their heritage.
The Keningau Oath Stone, erected to commemorate the formation of Malaysia, stands as a reminder of the Federal guarantees given to the State.
The Keningau Oath Stone was unveiled and officiated on Aug 31, 1964, at the old Keningau District Office compound.
A maningolig ritual with an animal sacrifice by a bobolian (traditional ritual leader) was held according to the traditional beliefs of the Dusun people to bind the guarantees.
The Oath Stone has long been regarded as a symbol of indigenous sovereignty and a testament to the cultural identity of the people.
In September 2018, the stone was relocated to the Keningau Heritage Museum.
Several Sabah Pakatan Harapan (PH) leaders, including its chairman Datuk Ewon Benedick, Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, and Jannie Lasimbang, recently visited the Oath Stone monument.
During the visit, they poured water over the stone. This act angered netizens, who subsequently linked it to the recent floods in Keningau.
Atama’s call for reconciliation underscores the importance of safeguarding indigenous traditions in an evolving modern landscape.
“Let this be a reminder to all of us to live in harmony with our environment and each other, safeguarding the rich tapestry of our Indigenous heritage for future generations,” he said.