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Borneo Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Students may be invited to 50th Double Six memorial, says minister
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).
The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Double Six memorial may be added to revamped Prince Philip Park in Tanjung Aru
KOTA KINABALU: The Double Six tragedy, a defining moment in Sabah's history, could soon be given greater prominence as part of the upcoming redevelopment of Prince Philip Park at Tanjung Aru. Tanjung Aru Eco-Development Sdn Bhd (TAED) chairman Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said there are plans to include a memorial replica of the Nomad aircraft in the incident as part of the iconic 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 told reporters after attending the 49th anniversary commemoration at the crash site in Sembulan on Friday (June 6). ALSO READ: Federal Govt, youth participation sought for 50th anniversary of Double Six crash next year He said it was important to ensure that the public, especially younger generations, understand the significance of the tragedy on June 6, 1976 that claimed the lives of many state Cabinet members, including then chief minister Tun Fuad Stephens. 'We understand 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 added. He stressed that the memorial is not meant to sensationalise the incident, but rather to honour the legacy of the leaders who died. 'Prince Philip Park is a historical site for Sabahans, and this redevelopment is an opportunity to highlight Sabah's journey, right from the Colonial era to Independence and beyond,' he added. ALSO READ: 'Double Six' tragedy: Memorial needs a proper monument, says Kitingan Among the park's new features will be an archive-like building that showcases the path to independence. 'Many people would not go out of their way to visit the national archives. But if we make it part of a park that they already enjoy, it becomes a space for everyday education,' Pandikar Amin said. 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 expressed concern over the public's lack of awareness regarding the tragedy. He cited a recent talk he gave to a Peninsular Malaysian NGO, where most attendees had never heard of the 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. He welcomed the growing interest in the memorial among Sabah's younger generation, noting the high number of teenagers and young adults who attended the recent remembrance event in Sembulan. 'While the site at Sembulan remains the official memorial, we are in full support of establishing complementary access points in nearby areas. "It is about expanding the reach of our history … so that even non-Malaysians can understand the significance of what happened on that day,' he said. The redevelopment of Prince Philip Park, long a favourite public recreation space in Kota Kinabalu, is part of a broader eco-tourism vision under the Tanjung Aru Eco-Development initiative. 'We want the park to be a place that preserves memory, encourages learning, and reflects our identity as Sabahans,' Pandikar Amin said.
