KOTA KINABALU: A special gathering at the historic Batu Sumpah (Oath Stone) in Sabah’s interior Keningau to mark Malaysia Day saw a call to the state's political parties for a united stand on seeing all Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) promises fulfilled.
The gathering was organised by the Keningau Parliament People’s Service Centre at the site marking the pledge and conditions under which Sabah’s native communities, especially from the interior, agreed to the formation of Malaysia on Sept 16, 1963.
For many Sabahans, the oath cast in stone represents assurances for the state’s autonomy, freedom of religion, and native land rights as part of the safeguards when it helped form the Federation.
The simple ceremony marking Malaysia Day on Wednesday (Sept 16) was led by Keningau MP Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, the Sabah STAR president, along with invited guests Parti Warisan president Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal and Parti KDM acting president Priscella Peter.
It was marked with special prayers conducted by native priests and priestesses to commemorate 63 years of nationhood.
In his speech, Kitingan said that a number of assurances under MA63 still need to be achieved, and efforts must continue to see them through.
He said it was important for all parties to trust each other to fulfil these promises as Sabah remains underdeveloped and poor.
Kitingan hoped that Sabah political parties would take a united stand on a motion in the state sssembly to resolve all outstanding issues under MA63 within a year.
"The government and opposition should work together for Sabah’s rights," he said, adding that many of the rights were incorporated in the Federal Constitution and the country's formation was endorsed by the United Nations.
"This struggle is not for the interests of any individual or group, but to ensure that Sabah's rights, the interests of the people, and the future of the next generation continue to be preserved," he added.
