The fake oath stone created by opposition in the interior.
KENINGAU: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said the irresponsible action of conducting a ritual on a fake oath stone by opposition leaders in the area recently is an insult to the people in the state.
He said that such action should not be done by any party but instead should be respected wholeheartedly regardless of political affiliation, religion and race.
“Their action can also lead to confusion in the communities’ understanding of the facts and history of the formation of Malaysia and affect the unity of all ethnic relations in the state,” he told reporters after opening the Kampung Suan Totogop hall here on Friday.
In fact, he said the action does not only insult the people of Sabah, but also does not respect what has been stated in the oath stone.
Kurup, who is also Pensiangan member of parliament, said their action to create another rock is perjury and the ritual is contrary to the custom of the native people in the state, Keningau and interior area.
“As a native of Sabah, I was very disappointed with their unethical and uncivilized action which have hurt the feelings of the people of the Interior and the state.
“The existing oath stone located in the compound of Keningau district secretariat was the original and agreed by all the parties, customary chiefs, community leaders and the leaders of the Interior to put it in the place,” he said.
In another development, Kurup urged the authorities to act immediately to take action against individuals who are trying to incite the people of Sabah and Sarawak via the social networking site to secede both states from Malaysia because it was contrary to the Constitution and the true essence of Malaysia Day, which is celebrated every year.
He said the action was not only irresponsible but also affected the unity of all races and national development and violated the country’s laws.
Earlier, in his speech at the ceremony, Kurup said the development needs of the people in the area will continue to be implemented in stages to ensure that people in rural areas are not left out from the mainstream of the country’s development.
In addition, he urged the village community leaders in the area to be proactive in doing their work for the common good of their community.