Dr. Jeffrey was addressing a huge crowd at a commemorating ceremony held at the Batu Sumpah in conjunction with the 52nd Malaysia Day. The ceremony was led by a bobolian or traditional native high priestess in accordance with native customs and traditions.
In commemorating Malaysia Day, it should be remembered the basis of the formation of Malaysia and the federal and Sabah governments should acknowledge the role of Sabah in the formation which appeared to be manipulated until Sabah being downgraded to be the 12th State under Malaya instead of being an equal partner to Malaya.
“Sabah is downgraded to be the same as Perlis, which is 1/90th of its size. In fact, Keningau District where the Batu Sumpah is located, with an area of 3,533 sq. km. is larger than the combined 3,505 sq. km. size of Penang, Malacca and Perlis whereas Keningau had only 1 MP and 3 State Assemblymen while the 3 Malayan States had a combined 26 MPs, 83 State Assemblymen, 3 Chief Minister/Menteri Besar, 2 Governors and 1 State Ruler.
It is no coincidence that the nation and its leaders are facing various problems and challenges as well as the recovery of the original Batu Sumpah plaque recently. It will not be surprising if Malaysia faces more problems if the pledges continue to be unfulfilled and more leaders are to face the wrath of the curse.
The federal and Sabah governments should look into the fulfilment of the promises, assurances and undertakings that were promised to the founding fathers of Sabah by the then Federation of Malaya leaders before more calamities befall Malaysia and its leaders.
In enticing Sabah leaders to agree to the merger to form Malaysia, Sabah were promised that Malaysia would be good and that:-
• Sabah would be federated with Singapore, Sarawak and the Federation of Malaya as equal partners;
• Sabah would be independent and autonomous and no longer colonized;
• Sabah would be safe;
• Sabah would enjoy development on par with Malaya;
• Sabahans will decide their own future and destiny;
• Malaysia would be a federation and a new Nation.
Unfortunately, after 52 years, the Malaysia today is not the Malaysia that was envisaged at its formation. Things are getting worse by the day and racial and religious extremism is tearing the nation apart with even the Umno Malays holding a red-shirt rally with threats of violence on Malaysia Day.
Dr. Jeffrey told the enthusiastic crowd that despite the injustices and unhappiness, there is still hope for Sabah and Sabahans. He urged all Sabahans especially the young generations to rise to the occasion. They need to seize the mantle of responsibility to correct past mistakes and to demand for the return and restoration of Sabah rights and they should not rely on outsiders and outside parties who have a different and contradictory agenda to the Sabah agenda.
Dr. Jeffrey then listed out 10 demands that should be honoured by the Federal government in conjunction with the 52nd Malaysia Day, namely:-
1. Implement the basis of the formation of Malaysia for Sabah and Sarawak
2. Recognize Sabah, Sarawak and Malaya as equal partners and entities enjoying autonomous rights
3. Review MA63 and have a new Malaysian Constitution
4. Return oil and gas rights to Sabah and Sarawak
5. Implement the return of the 40% net revenue derived from Sabah
6. Clean up the electoral rolls for Sabah
7. Resolve the “Projek IC” and illegal immigrants issues
8. Restrict the federal government powers to focus on national defence, foreign affairs, national security and currency and economy
9. Wipe out corruption
10. Acknowledge all religions as official religions.
Dr. Jeffrey added that there is only one and true BATU SUMPAH in the whole of Malaysia and that it is a very important constitutional document in the history of Malaysia.
He reminded that the original Batu Sumpah in Keningau is the only true oath stone of significance to all Malaysians unlike fake replicas that are being erected presumably for political reasons in many places in Sabah without respecting the customs and traditions of the Borneo natives.
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