KOTA KINABALU: The families of the three Sabah ministers killed in the "Double Six" air crash on June 6, 1976, are considering legal action to seek compensation.
In the joint statement on the eve of the incident's anniversary, family members of then chief minister Tun Mohd Fuad Stephens, Datuk Peter Mojuntin and Datuk Salleh Sulong said they wanted the "immense suffering" endured over nearly five decades to be acknowledged and alleviated.
Fuad's daughter Faridah Stephens, Mojuntin's son Donald and Salleh's daughter Kartina issued the statement on behalf of their families on Wednesday (June 5).
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They said they were considering legal action as there had been no response from the Federal Government.
"The declassification of the final investigation report on April 12 last year provided crucial insights into the circumstances of the crash, but the reasons for the long delay in releasing the report remain opaque.
"The delay has only deepened the wounds suffered by the families as they have not been able to move forward and obtain closure in respect of this tragic chapter in their lives.
"Moved by an unwavering desire for justice and closure, the families are now asking the federal government to make amends in the form of compensation and have conveyed this request.
"Regrettably, to date, there has been no response," the statement read.
Fuad and the ministers were among 11 people on board the Nomad Aircraft 9M-ATZ that crashed in Sembulan waters as it approached the Kota Kinabalu airport runway on a short flight from Labuan.
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The anniversary of the incident is marked every year by the state government.
The victims' family members invited the community to join them Wednesday (June 6) in remembering and honouring the lives lost in the crash 48 years ago.
"The families continue to carry the legacy of their loved ones not only in their hearts but also through their actions.
"They are committed to seeking the truth and justice, ensuring that such a tragedy never occurs again," the statement added.
