Latest news with #Pandikar
Daily Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Plans for aircraft replica at Tanjung Aru park
Published on: Saturday, June 07, 2025 Published on: Sat, Jun 07, 2025 By: Crystal E Hermenegildus Text Size: The Double Six tragedy in 1976. Kota Kinabalu: There are plans to build a replica of the Nomad aircraft involved in the 1976 Double Six tragedy at Prince Philip Park, Tanjung Aru, as part of its redevelopment, says Tanjung Aru Eco-Development (TAED) Chairman Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia. He said the intention is not to relocate the existing memorial in Sembulan but to create an additional site of remembrance within the redeveloped Prince Philip Park. Advertisement 'This is about helping the public, especially younger people, understand the importance of the June 6, 1976 tragedy, which took the lives of several State leaders, including former Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephens,' he told reporters after attending the 49th anniversary commemoration at the crash site in Sembulan on Friday (June 6). Acknowledging that the idea of a replica might be painful for some victims' families, he expressed willingness to meet them personally and adjust the plans if needed. He said it is not to sensationalise the event, but to honour those who perished. Pandikar said the park's redevelopment will also include elements that highlight Sabah's historical journey, such as a museum-like archive showcasing the State's path to independence. 'People might not go out of their way to visit formal archives, but if we place educational elements in a park they already enjoy, it becomes a space for everyday learning,' he said. The Double Six memorial component is expected to cost between RM100,000 and RM200,000, forming part of the larger RM35 million park redevelopment project. Pandikar expressed concern that many Malaysians, especially those from Peninsular Malaysia, are still unaware of the tragedy. He said during a recent talk most attendees had never heard of the incident. He supports the idea of incorporating the Double Six tragedy into the national school syllabus and was encouraged by the high turnout of young people at the recent remembrance ceremony. 'While the Sembulan site remains the official memorial, we support establishing more access points nearby to help more people, including foreigners, understand this important part of our history,' he said. The revitalisation of Prince Philip Park is part of a broader eco-tourism initiative under the Tanjung Aru Eco-Development plan. 'Our goal is to turn the park into a space that preserves memories, promotes learning and reflects our identity as Sabahans,' Pandikar said. * 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
Borneo Post
3 days ago
- General
- 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
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Express
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
Daily Express
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Express
Stronger BN will mean a weaker PH
Published on: Sunday, May 18, 2025 Published on: Sun, May 18, 2025 By: Datuk Teddy Chin Text Size: HARDLY a week passes without something 'political' happening in Sabah. After all, politics is many Sabahans' cup of tea, including the soothsayers in the coffeeshops. Speaking in Sandakan at the party's Hari Raya celebrations late April, Usno president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin warned that if the party continued to be belittled by GRS partners, and that if their demand for seats were not entertained, Usno may consider contesting on its own in the coming State election. Advertisement This led to a reply by two divisional-level PGRS leaders who said that if Usno felt that it was belittled, it was free to leave GRS. PGRS deputy divisional chiefs for Bingkor, Rafie Robert and Kiulu, Datuk Datuk George Teo said unity among GRS components is important for victory in the coming State election. Interestingly, Rafie is the son of Datuk Robert Tawik who is Star deputy president and an Assistant Minister as well as Bingkor Assemblyman. 'But if you are dissatisfied….don't force yourself to stay….just leave. If your intention is no longer aligned with GRS, it's time to go. This coalition was not built to serve personal interests, but the rakyat's,' said Rafie. 'If you feel suffocated being in the coalition please leave and make yourself happy. No one will also stop Usno from contesting all 73 seats,' said Teo. Advertisement For the record, Usno under the label Usno Baru contested 47 seats in 2020 and won none. Usno president Pandikar himself was defeated in his hometown Kota Belud where he began his political career in the early 1980s. Pandikar was reported to have said that 'Any questions as to why Usno might consider going solo in the election should be directed at GRS leaders. 'You should ask the Chief Minister, ask Jeffrey, ask Masidi, ask Yong Teck Lee,' he was reported to have said. The first to respond was Yong who defended Pandikar. He was followed by Jeffrey. One must understand the relationship between Pandikar, Yong and Jeffrey. The trio have been 'comrades-in-arms' since years ago when they were all in the opposition, i.e PBS. When Warisan was in power, the trio were united in the Opposition. Pandikar headed Usno, Yong Sapp and Jeffrey Star. Beginning with Kundasang years ago, the trio never missed and spoke at Sabah Day rally. When Warisan was in power, the trio attended a similar rally and spoke at Jeffrey's house in Kota Kinabalu. Their unifying factor was SAPP advisor, former Berjaya Minister Datuk Matnor Mansor. Then Warisan was defeated, New CM Hajiji launched the first official Sabah Day in Tambunan about two years ago. And together with National Day or Merdeka, it was declared a holiday, last year. Never mind the fact that there was no additional holiday. The trio's dream and what they had fought for all these years gained the State Government's recognition at last. So, for anybody to attack one of them, in this case Pandikar, it's just like 'Cubit Paha Kiri, Paha Kanan terasa juga' (If you pinch your left thigh, your right thigh will also feel the pain). For Jeffrey, no problem. His party has six seats which explains why he is DCM. For Yong and Pandikar it's a different story because their parties have no seats. Yong is a Nominated Assemblyman though. After Yong and Jeffrey's statement in defense of Pandikar, one would have thought it was 'case closed'. However, another grassroot level PGRS leader issued a statement. Sook Gagasan Rakyat chief Abi Wednes Gagamboi said if unity is the goal, then those who threatened to fracture the coalition must be called out – not younger leaders who are speaking up to defend it. 'Hence, it is ironic for Jeffrey and Yong to mention unity in GRS but not reprimand their long-time ally Pandikar,' he added. Then on May 8, 2025 the frontpage headline of Daily Express screamed: 'GRS is still one happy family: CM' complete with a picture of Hajiji hugging Pandikar and Jeffrey together with Yong. That closes the chapter, at least for now. I suppose directives have meantime gone out to all grassroot leaders to make no more statements. Two days later, Kuala Lumpur dropped a bombshell saying that Pakatan Harapan (PH) led by PM Anwar and Barisan Nasional (BN) led by DPM Ahmad Zahid had reached a deal to work together to face the Sabah election. There was no mention of GRS, nor Warisan or KDM. The very next day, GRS chairman and Sabah CM Hajiji issued a statement saying if that was the case, then GRS might consider going solo in the election. GRS is part of the Federal Unity Government whereby it has a full Minister and a Deputy Minister plus a few more MPs. PH is also part of the State Government with its components PKR and DAP having a Minister and an Assistant Minister each. BN, however, is Opposition at the State level. They used to be part of the State government but two years ago their Sabah branch leaders staged a coup which failed to unseat Hajiji and his government. With that kind of a background, what do you expect? What do you take Sabahans for? Stupid fools? Enough of this 'big brother' thing which Sabahans were subjected to for decades. Hajiji's statement must have taken KL off-guard and instantly component parties of GRS, for that matter Sabahans at large, gave their blessings for GRS to go solo. Instantly, Sabahans were united. The very next day, PM Anwar flew into Tawau to officiate a function. He explained to reporters that the KL statement was issued based on the understanding between PH and BN only. On the part involving GRS, he would talk to Hajiji once he is in Sabah. Whether this is true or not, only Anwar knows. He did say that he could only speak on behalf of PH, but it depends on Hajiji on his reception of BN, adding that Hajiji seemed positive to the suggestion. Hajiji in his reaction said he had to refer the matter to the GRS council as he could not make the decision alone. Good answer. After all, GRS is a coalition of 8 parties and for Hajiji to commit anything without consulting them would be disaster. Another thing, in Tawau Anwar never said should the PKR-BN-GRS win the election, who would be CM? Renowned Sabah political writer Selvaraja Somiah described Anwar's non-disclosure as 'evasive'. Another writer, CC, described Anwar as 'suspiciously vague'. To be fair, however, I would give Anwar the benefit of the doubt. He twice defended Hajiji's Chief Ministership and I have no reason to believe that he would not for a third time. Let's say that he has his own agenda this time around. The logical thing to do is to pick a CM from within his own PH. When I say PH it's not necessary PKR or DAP. Don't forget PH now has a Sabah-based party, UPKO. In the event that GRS really goes it alone, then my bet is Anwar will choose someone from Upko to be the CM. By doing so, it counters the 'Sabah for Sabahans' slogan of GRS or to be exact Jeffrey. Because Upko is also a local party, so GRS cannot say that local parties are being sidelined. What added to my suspicion, apart from Anwar's silence in Tawau, is a recent joint-statement by Upko and PBRS to ask that they be the 'bridge' with KL. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out what that means. I mean, GRS is officially still a part of the Federal Madani Government and has not even made a decision on Anwar's offer to GRS to work with BN. What's the hurry? Can't wait? If GRS' final decision is not to work with BN, then the Upko-PBRS statement is justified. But a decision has not even been reached. You don't do that to your existing coalition partners. Even if a decision has been reached and GRS is to go it alone, the new CM oes not necessarily come from Upko or PBRS bah. It can come from PKR and DAP bah as long as they are Sabahans. PKR's Christine Liew has gained enough experience to be CM, having been a DCM and MP before. DAP's Ginger Phoong is also CM material. I don't think Anwar would want someone from BN to be the CM for the simple reason that strengthening BN would weaken his own PH. If he wanted Umno to lead the statement, he would have sided them when they almost unseated Hajiji two years ago. Instead, he gave his blessings for his PH Assemblymen to be part of the Hajiji-led State Government. I just don't see how GRS can work with BN. Even before GRS say yes to 'marriage', Umno president Ahmad Zahid already talked big. First, he said Umno must get back all the seats that it won in 2020. Second, he said the 'Sabah for Sabahans' slogan is not suitable and is divisive. A leopard never changes its skin. He is still behaving like the old days when Umno was king and Sabahans had to listen to them. He forgot that Sabahans already threw out Umno in 2018. Old habits die hard. Umno is still behaving like a 'Big Brother' to Sabahans and that we must listen to or obey them. Well, Sabahans, the ball is at your feet now. In conclusion, talk much also no use. Cakap banyak tiada guna. Coalition or no coalition. PH or BN or GRS, whichever party wins the most seats, they will get the CMship. If GRS were to agree to the merger, will they still get the majority seats that they are enjoying now? Politics is the art of the possible. If GRS is pushed to the wall, what is there to stop from forming a coalition with Warisan or KDM? Then it will become Sabah for local parties just like Sarawak. Afterall, PM's offer was only for GRS. There was no mention of Warisan or KDM. In politics, there are no permanent enemies and no permanent friends. Who had expected PH to be part of the present State Government? Happy voting. The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express. If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
New Straits Times
07-05-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
All is well in GRS, says Hajiji after meeting with coalition leaders
KOTA KINABALU: All is well within the Gabungan Rakyat Sabah (GRS) family, said its chairman Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. "All presidents have pledged to ensure GRS's victory in the coming elections. "I appreciate their views and opinions. "They are all mature political leaders who understand the importance of GRS as a united front going into the elections," he said in a statement. Featured Videos Hajiji, who is also the Sabah chief minister, held a high-tea meeting with all seven presidents of GRS component parties at Sri Gaya here today. He described the three-hour gathering as cordial. Hajiji, who is also president of Parti Gagasan Rakyat Sabah, met with Parti Bersatu Sabah acting president Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku president Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan, United Sabah National Organisation president Tan Sri Pandikar Amin, Parti Cinta Sabah president Tan Sri Anifah Aman, Sabah Progressive Party president Datuk Yong Teck Lee, Liberal Democratic Party president Datuk Chin Su Phin, and Parti Harapan Rakyat Sabah president Tan Sri Liew Yun Fah. Also present was Gagasan Rakyat deputy president Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun. Over the past few weeks, tensions had arisen among politicians within the coalition. Former state assembly speaker Pandikar, who is eyeing eight seats, was told by junior politicians from other parties to leave if he was unhappy with the coalition. Pandikar, Jeffrey, and Yong have been vocal in calling for the Sabah-based coalition to contest all 73 state seats. However, Hajiji has indicated a preference to continue working with Sabah Pakatan Harapan leaders. As of now, no formal discussions have taken place on seat distribution.
