Families urge government to mark Double Six tragedy with foundation
KOTA KINABALU: Family members have called on the government to properly recognise the Double Six tragedy, urging the creation of a foundation to support the education of those affected, as the incident marks its 49th anniversary today.
One of the family members, Datuk Donald Mojuntin, said the federal government could establish a fund dedicated to the families of the 11 victims.
"For us, as representatives of the victims' families, recognition can come in many forms," he said.
"And I believe through a foundation, we can help the victims' families' children with their education and other matters.
"This is the way forward," Donald said.
The crash occurred on June 6, 1976, when a GAF Nomad aircraft carrying members of Sabah's top leadership went down while attempting to land at Kota Kinabalu Airport.
All 11 people on board were killed, including the then Chief Minister of Sabah, Tun Fuad Stephens, Finance Minister Datuk Salleh Sulong, and several senior state officials.
The incident reshaped Sabah's leadership and, nearly five decades on, remains a painful memory with questions still unanswered.
Donald also hoped the air disaster would be formally acknowledged as part of the nation's history.
"Even though this is a dark chapter in Sabah's history, it should still be included in history books, just like other incidents that have occurred in Sabah and across Malaysia," he said.
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Borneo Post
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- Borneo Post
Double Six memorial proposed at Prince Philip Park to broaden public awareness
Pandikar and the Sunduvan team at the Double Six memorial site in Sembulan. KOTA KINABALU (June 6): Tanjung Aru Eco Development (TAED) chairman Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia has unveiled plans to establish a Double Six memorial as part of the redevelopment of Prince Philip Park in Tanjung Aru. Pandikar said the proposal will be included in the park's redevelopment blueprint but will not be categorized as part of the general beautification efforts. The project is estimated to cost over RM200,000. One of the key features of the memorial includes a realistic replica of the Nomad aircraft crashing into the South China Sea, symbolizing the tragic event of June 6, 1976. 'We want to portray what really happened on that fateful day,' Pandikar said at a press conference today, held at the current Double Six Monument in Sembulan alongside members of the NGO Sunduvan Sabah. The proposal also includes the installation of a replica of the Keningau Oath Stone and other elements that represent significant historical moments in Sabah's past, such as the Merdeka parade in Kota Kinabalu on August 31, 1963. 'The idea is that most people don't normally visit the Sembulan site as it is relatively secluded. In contrast, Prince Philip Park sees many visitors. If this plan materializes, more people — locals and tourists alike — will be exposed to the history of the Double Six tragedy and other important events in Sabah's history,' he said. Pandikar acknowledged that some family members of the Double Six victims have expressed objections, as they prefer not to be reminded of the tragedy. 'I respect their feelings, but these individuals were also national leaders. The public has a right to know what happened. I plan to meet the families personally to explain our intentions and hopefully gain their blessings,' he added. While emphasizing that the Sembulan memorial remains the official site of the incident, Pandikar stressed the importance of having complementary installations in more accessible locations. 'The Double Six tragedy was a pivotal moment in Sabah's history. Expanding awareness through educational and symbolic displays at places like Prince Philip Park would help both Malaysians and international visitors understand the significance of that era,' he said.
Daily Express
a day ago
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TAED plans Nomad replica to honour Double Six victims
Published on: Friday, June 06, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jun 06, 2025 By: Crystal Hermenegildus Text Size: Pandikar and members of Sunduvan Sabah NGO pose for a group photo after the 49th anniversary commemoration of the Double Six tragedy. KOTA KINABALU: A replica of the Nomad aircraft from the 1976 Double Six tragedy may be installed at Prince Philip Park, Tanjung Aru, as part of its redevelopment, said Tanjung Aru Eco-Development (TAED) chairman Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia. He said the existing memorial in Sembulan would remain, with the replica serving as an additional tribute to educate the public, especially youth, about the crash that claimed several state Cabinet members, including then Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephens. Advertisement Pandikar assured the replica would honour the victims without sensationalising the tragedy, and said plans could be revised if concerns are raised by the victims' families. He said this after attending the 49th-anniversary commemoration at the crash site in Sembulan on Friday. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
New Straits Times
a day ago
- New Straits Times
Families urge government to mark Double Six tragedy with foundation
KOTA KINABALU: Family members have called on the government to properly recognise the Double Six tragedy, urging the creation of a foundation to support the education of those affected, as the incident marks its 49th anniversary today. One of the family members, Datuk Donald Mojuntin, said the federal government could establish a fund dedicated to the families of the 11 victims. "For us, as representatives of the victims' families, recognition can come in many forms," he said. "And I believe through a foundation, we can help the victims' families' children with their education and other matters. "This is the way forward," Donald said. The crash occurred on June 6, 1976, when a GAF Nomad aircraft carrying members of Sabah's top leadership went down while attempting to land at Kota Kinabalu Airport. All 11 people on board were killed, including the then Chief Minister of Sabah, Tun Fuad Stephens, Finance Minister Datuk Salleh Sulong, and several senior state officials. The incident reshaped Sabah's leadership and, nearly five decades on, remains a painful memory with questions still unanswered. Donald also hoped the air disaster would be formally acknowledged as part of the nation's history. "Even though this is a dark chapter in Sabah's history, it should still be included in history books, just like other incidents that have occurred in Sabah and across Malaysia," he said.
