KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s Double Six tragedy, which wiped out nearly half of Sabah’s Cabinet in 1976, should serve as a reminder for Sabahans to stand united in defending state rights and its future, says Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin.
The son of the late Datuk Peter Mojuntin, one of 11 who perished in the Nomad aircraft crash, said this tragedy remains one of the most significant incidents in Sabah’s history.
He said that although five decades have passed, the services of those who passed, their sacrifices and fighting spirit remain alive in the memories of many Sabahans.
“This incident should push us to unite and stand stronger as one, to fight for our future and to protect our rights regardless of race, religion or background,” said Mojuntin after the memorial service in commemoration of the Double Six tragedy here, on Saturday (June 6).
Others who were killed in this June 6 incident were the then chief minister Tun Fuad Stephens, his eldest son Johari, communications and public works minister Datuk Chong Thien Vun, Sabah finance minister Datuk Salleh Sulong and assistant minister to the deputy chief minister Datuk Darius Binion.
The tragedy claimed the lives of Salleh’s finance minister's secretary Datuk Wahid Peter Andau, economic planning unit director Dr Syed Hussein Wafa, the finance minister's private secretary Ishak Atan, Fuad's bodyguard Corporal Said Mohammad and pilot Gandhi J. Nathan as well.
Fuad’s daughter Faridah, who was met at a luncheon for the anniversary of the tragedy, said it was heartwarming to see that even after 50 years, people still remember not just the incident but also those who died.
She said she was very young when she lost her father, and she had to live without a father figure thereafter, but was lucky that she had her mother and relatives to keep the memories alive.
She also thanked the state government for commemorating those who perished in this incident, but hoped that there could be more awareness and information shared with the younger generation about this part of history.
Earlier in the day, the 50th anniversary commemoration was held at the crash site in Sembulan, where several programmes, including a wreath-laying ceremony, was performed.
The first to pay respects was Datuk Ceaser Mandela Malakun, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister representing the Chief Minister, followed by the victims’ families.
Among those present were Fuad’s son Asgari Stephens, Salleh’s family representative led by his daughter Kartina, Mojuntin’s family representative Jeremiah Joinod, Chong’s family and Darius’ widow Datin Jikilin.
A luncheon with family, friends and acquaintances was later hosted at a hotel in the city, where friends and family shared their memories of those who left too soon and took time to mingle and catch up.
