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Policy change must not be implemented hastily: Ellron
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025
Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025
By: Cynthia D Baga Text Size: 'We want to ensure that the voice of Sabah youth continues to be heard, their potential continues to be nurtured and their struggle continues to be empowered within a clear, secure and forward-thinking framework,' Ellron said. THE Sabah Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBSS) is actively implementing inclusive and transformative action plans to ensure the youth age transition policy from 15-40 years to a new range of 15-30 years, effective Jan 1, 2026, truly strengthens the youth movement. Its Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin said this policy change must not be implemented hastily without taking into account the realities on the ground, especially in Sabah which has diverse community structures, various forms of youth organisations and differing levels of grassroots leadership readiness.
Advertisement The policy was recently decided at the Federal Government level. 'In line with this objective, the Ministry is now working closely with the Sabah Youth Council to design and realise a legal framework specifically for the development of the State's young generation, namely the Sabah Youth Development Enactment. 'This enactment will become the main foundation for strengthening the governance of youth organisations, expanding recognition of activism and volunteerism, and providing breathing space for youth leaders to manage and build the strength of their organisations during this transition period. 'We want to ensure that the voice of Sabah youth continues to be heard, their potential continues to be nurtured and their struggle continues to be empowered within a clear, secure and forward-thinking framework,' he said.
Advertisement In addition, to empower youth in the State, the KBSS will continue to double its efforts with a comprehensive and responsive approach by implementing key initiatives. 'One of the main initiatives currently being implemented includes the Sabah Youth Entrepreneur Success Scheme (Syabas), where more than 2,500 youths have benefited in the form of financing, guidance and digital empowerment. 'Young entrepreneurs in Sabah are now not only trading at night markets or small stalls, but also active on e-commerce platforms, in modern agriculture and the digital creative economy,' he said. To ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of youth organisation operations across Sabah, the disbursement of the Youth Organisation Grant serves as a strategic form of support aimed at strengthening the capacity and capability of youth associations in implementing high-impact programmes and initiatives for the community. 'This grant is not just financial assistance, but it is recognition of the active role of youth organisations as catalysts for national development and the shaping of young people's identity. 'The State Government provides short- and long-term courses specifically to produce skilled youth in fields such as automotive, smart agriculture, IT and industrial services that are aligned with current industry demand,' said Ellron. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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The Star
4 hours ago
- The Star
‘More should be involved in remembering Double Six tragedy'
Remembering the fallen: Ellron (second from left) at the commemoration held at the crash site in Sembulan, Sabah. KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government expects greater participation in next year's 50th anniversary of the Double Six tragedy, with plans to invite federal leaders and involve more students from schools and universities. Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin said this would help deepen the public's understanding of the tragedy's historical significance. He said this was discussed with several leaders during the 49th anniversary commemoration held at the crash site in Sembulan yesterday, which included a wreath-laying ceremony and a poetry competition featuring 132 participants, a sign of continued public engagement with the legacy of the crash. 'This is to ensure that we continue to remember this tragedy and reaffirm the facts about Sabah's political history,' said Ellron. The Double Six tragedy, which occurred on June 6, 1976, claimed the life of then chief minister Tun Fuad Stephens and wiped out nearly half of Sabah's state Cabinet, marking a turning point in the state's political landscape. The other 10 victims were his eldest son Johari, Datuk Peter Mojuntin, Datuk Chong Thien Vun, Datuk Salleh Sulong, Datuk Darius Binion, Datuk Wahid Peter Andau, Dr Syed Hussein Wafa, Ishak Atan, Korp Said Mohammad and Gandhi J. Nathan. Although the official investigation report was declassified in 2023, questions and public scepticism about the cause of the crash persist. Meanwhile, NGO Sunduvan Sabah continues its efforts to have the tragedy included in Sabah's school syllabus as part of efforts to educate the younger generation. Its chairman Aloysius Danim Siap said the incident must be formally shared with younger generations of Sabahans. The group will present its proposal to the state education director and publish a book compiling verified historical records, personal testimonies and an analysis of the social and political impact of the crash. Meanwhile, the upcoming redevelopment of Prince Philip Park at Tanjung Aru could provide greater prominence to the Double Six tragedy. Tanjung Aru Eco-Development Sdn Bhd (TAED) chairman Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said plans are in place to include a memorial replica of the ill-fated Nomad aircraft as part of the park's redevelopment. 'The idea is not to relocate the existing memorial in Sembulan, but to create an additional site of remembrance within the redeveloped Prince Philip Park,' he said after attending the 49th Double Six anniversary commemoration. 'We understand that some family members of the victims may feel uncomfortable about a replica being displayed as it could revive painful memories. I respect that and would like to meet them personally to explain our intentions. If they object, we are willing to adjust our plans,' he said. He stressed that the memorial is not meant to sensationalise the incident, but rather to honour the legacy of the leaders who perished. He estimated the cost of the Double Six memorial component to be between RM100,000 and RM200,000, forming a small part of the larger RM35mil park revitalisation. He also cited a recent talk he gave to an NGO in Peninsular Malaysia, where most of the attendees had never heard of the Double Six incident. 'This is why I support the idea of incorporating the Double Six tragedy and its historical context into the national school syllabus,' he said.
Daily Express
4 hours ago
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Federal recognition sought: Also Federal leaders participation in Double Six remembrance events
Published on: Saturday, June 07, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 07, 2025 By: Sisca Humphrey, Lorena Binisol Text Size: Kota Kinabalu: Two Sabah leaders called for greater federal participation and recognition of the Double Six tragedy, which claimed the lives of 11 people in a Nomad plane crash on 6.6.1976, including Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephens and half of his newly-elected Berjaya Cabinet. State Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin suggested that representatives from the Federal Government be invited to future memorials, particularly the 50th anniversary next year. Advertisement He was representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the event, Friday. Speaking at a press conference after the memorial ceremony on Friday, Ellron said broader involvement from the national level would reflect the importance of the tragedy not only to Sabah but also the nation's political history. The secrecy imposed on the findings into the crash was lifted by both the Malaysian and Australian governments after 46 years in 2022 by consent of the Anwar administration following a special series of investigative reports by Daily Express, which won for its Editor James Sarda and Senior reporter Sherell Jeffrey the naugural National Investigative Journalism Award by the Malaysian Press Institute. A special Youtube video documentary was also produced by Dexter Yeh, on behalf of Daily Express. The findings pointed to pilot error and overloading as likely causes. It also confirmed that Johari Stephens, a son of Fuad, was in the co-pilot seat, despite it being a VVIP flight. Two major events that followed almost immediately after the tragedy was the signing of the Petroleum Development Act (PDA) with Sabah being the final signatory. It vested ownership of Sabah's oil and gas resources on Petronas and the state receiving 5pc royalty from the sales. Secondly, the status of Sabah and Sarawak was also reduced from that of equal partners with Malaya and Singapore at the time of Malaysia's formation to that of one of the 14 states. However, the equal status was restored by the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri through a federal constitution amendment in 2022. Both controversial measures were effected during the Tun Hussein Onn administration. Ellron also called for greater youth engagement, saying young people should be made aware of the sacrifices and history tied to the tragedy. This year, a poetry competition was held as part of the commemoration which drew 132 entries from budding writers. 'It's encouraging to see such enthusiasm. But moving forward, we should involve secondary school and university students more directly in the annual event,' Ellron said. The memorial ceremony, organised by City Hall (DBKK), drew attendees from various backgrounds including state leaders, city officials, family members of the victims and members of the public. Wreaths were laid at the Double Six Monument, followed by a moment of silence to honour the 11 lives lost. Also present were State Minister of Industrial Development Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe, Deputy Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapha Sakmud, Deputy State Assembly Speaker Datuk Richard Yong We Kong and other state officials. The Nomad aircraft crashed into the sea near Kampung Sembulan, just two km from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, shortly after departing from Labuan. Meanwhile at a separate remembrance event in Donggonggon, Penampang, one of the sons of Datuk Peter Mojuntin, who was among the victims, hoped the tragedy would be included in school textbooks. Datuk Donald Mojuntin said the younger generation should understand the significance of the event. 'It changed the course of Sabah's leadership, and should be acknowledged in Malaysian history books so that future generations know what happened on this date,' he said. The remembrance ceremony took place at the statue of Peter, where some present said June 6 should also be declared a public holiday. Donald stressed the need for federal recognition, saying the tragedy should not only be remembered by Sabahans but acknowledged by all Malaysians. He also proposed the setting up of a foundation to support the education of native Sabahans. Donald suggested that monetary contributions or funding be directed toward the Foundation to assist Sabah students in pursuing higher studies. 'In remembering Double Six, we are also helping the new generation continue their education with the foundation being realised,' he said. He thanked the state government for its continuous support in ensuring the well-being of victims' families, particularly those seeking education opportunities. 'All we want is for this incident to be recognised. The federal government should consider officially acknowledging it and channelling funding into the Foundation dedicated in assisting needy families in Sabah so they can further their studies,' he said.
Borneo Post
17 hours ago
- Borneo Post
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Ellron paying his last respects at the Double Six monument. KOTA KINABALU (June 6): Students from schools and universities may be invited to participate in the 50th Double Six memorial ceremony next year, said State Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Angin. He said the proposal came after discussions with state leaders and the families of the victims of the 1976 tragedy. 'We are also suggesting that a representative from the federal government be invited to the occasion so that we can collectively commemorate the tragedy and reflect on the historical context of Sabah's political past,' he said. Ellron, who is also the Sook assemblyman, made the announcement during a press conference held at the 49th Double Six remembrance ceremony at the memorial site in Sembulan today. He also highlighted the positive response to a poetry competition held in conjunction with the event, which drew 132 participants, reflecting strong public interest and artistic engagement. The Double Six tragedy, which occurred on June 6, 1976, involved the crash of a Sabah Air GAF N-22B Nomad aircraft just three kilometres from the then Kota Kinabalu Airport. The crash claimed the lives of 11 people, including Sabah's fifth Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephens and six other state ministers. Those who perished were: Tun Fuad Stephens (Chief Minister), Datuk Salleh Sulong (State Finance Minister), Datuk Peter Mojuntin (Local Government and Housing Minister), Datuk Chong Tien Vun (State Works and Communication Minister), Datuk Darius Binion (Assistant Minister to Deputy Chief Minister), Datuk Wahid Peter Andu (Permanent Secretary to the State Finance Ministry), Dr Syed Hussein Wafa (Director of State Economic Planning Unit), Ishak Atan (Private Secretary to the then Federal Finance Minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah), Corporal Said Mohammad (bodyguard to Tun Fuad) and Captain Gandhi J. Nathan (pilot).
