KENINGAU: Any changes to the promise recorded in the Keningau Oath Stone, or the ‘20-Point Agreement’ cannot be done by the government alone, stressed Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Tan Sri Joseph Kurup yesterday.
He said it should be done through a referendum. This is because of the promise made to the people and the people of Sabah alone have the right to determine the future of Sabah.
“Indeed the construction of a new country is based on a foundation of trust that is placed on the Oath Stone which is consistent with 20 Points. These conditions have legal significance and any of the related amendments must be agreed to by the state government,” said Kurup in response to the opening speech by then Labour Minister, the late Tan Sri Manickasavagam on the Keningau Oath Stone.
“Guarantee freedom of religion is the religious practice in its own way without any restrictions or barriers as required by the principle of religious freedom, people should respect the religious practices of others,” he said in his special message in conjunction with Malaysia Day and honoring ceremony of Keningau Oath Stone Memorial at the district secretariat compound here.
He said the National Principles (Rukunegara) clearly showed the importance of religion in the lives of the communities in the state when the first rule of national principles stated: Believe In God.
“I’m very familiar with the concerns and worries of our society on religious freedom, which is guaranteed in the constitution and also promised to us, that is increasingly threatened.
“Many indigenous people have the name ‘bin’ and ‘binti’ in their name are facing numerous problems. They are considered as followers of religions not their choice. Conversion through coercion or deceit with rewards is a threat to freedom of religion.
“I understand our society feels threatened and endangered, especially when the matter dragged on for so long. Any form of restrictions on the practice of our religion, especially in the use of words or the words of the sacred, are not acceptable at all.
“This is contrary to the guarantees of religious freedom. This is contrary to the spirit of religious freedom promised to our ancestors that promised to us, which is promised to the people of Sabah,” he said.
In terms of religion, he said the restrictions in the laws or regulations will not be effective. Religious practice is about instinct and full appreciation of religious values that will teach people respect and tolerance.
He said respect and tolerance is the basis for unity and integration of the people. If a situation exists that is contrary to the principle of religious freedom, it will undoubtedly be an obstacle to national integration and unity of this country.
Kurup said the guarantee of freedom of religion is fundamental to the building of a peaceful, united and prosperous country.
Talking about the three points on the oath stone, he said the Federal government must ensure that such matters are met and maintained. The failure of the government to fulfill this oath will invite harm.
He said any action which denies freedom to right of religion is polluting the country’s constitution. People will start to doubt the intention of the government if the Oath Stone promise is not honored, forgotten or ignored for political purposes, which would surely lead to a crisis of confidence or trust deficit between the government and the people of Sabah.
He said that the Oath Stone proclamation on 16 September 1964 had brought together local leaders such as the Chief Minister of Sabah at that time, Tun Fuad Stephens, Datuk GS Sundang, Yeap Kee Aik, OKK Sodomon Gunsanad, Datuk OKK Angian Andulag and government officials, representatives of ethnic, headmen and traditional leaders, while the Federal Government was represented by then Labour Minister, the late Tan Sri Manickasavagam.
Kurup said the third King, Tuanku Syed Putra Ibni Almarhum Syed Hassan Jamalullail and Raja Permaisuri Agong also visited the Oath Stone in 1964.