Families of fallen mull action

Not forgotten: The incident is widely known as the Double Six tragedy, based on the date of the crash, and its anniversary is marked every year at the site by the state government.

KOTA KINABALU: Families of the three state ministers, including then chief minister Tun Mohd Fuad Stephens, who were among 11 people killed in the Double Six air crash are considering taking legal action for compensation.

In a joint statement on the eve of the June 6, 1976, crash anniversary, family members of Mohd Fuad, Datuk Peter Mojuntin and Datuk Salleh Sulong said they wanted the “immense suffering” they had endured over nearly five decades to be recognised and alleviated.

Mohd Fuad’s daughter Faridah, Mojuntin’s son Donald and Salleh’s daughter Kartina issued the statement on behalf of their families yesterday.

They said that they were considering legal action to seek compensation as there was no response from the Federal Government.

“The declassification of the Malaysian Investigation Report on April 12, 2023, provided crucial insights into the circumstances of the crash, but the reasons for the long delay in releasing the report remain opaque.

“The long and inordinate 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 of Malaysia to make amends in the form of compensation, and have conveyed their request to them.

“Regrettably, to date, there has been no response,” they said in the statement.

Fuad and the ministers were among the 11 on board the Nomad aircraft 9M-ATZ, which crashed in Sembulan waters as it approached the Kota Kinabalu airport runway on a short flight from Labuan on June 6, 1976.

The incident is widely known as the Double Six tragedy, based on the date of the crash, and its anniversary is marked every year at the site by the state government.

The family members also invited the community to join them today 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,” they added in the statement.