By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: A representative from the Federal Government will be invited to attend next year’s Double Six Tragedy commemoration event.
“We have proposed inviting a representative from the Federal Government to the 50th commemoration ceremony next year, so that they can gain a better understanding of Sabah’s history and the facts surrounding the tragedy,” said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin.
He was representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor at the 49th commemoration of the plane crash, during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Double Six Monument in Sembulan here yesterday.
He said this year’s ceremony included a poem competition, with 132 poets participating to reflect on the incident through their recitations.
“We have also discussed that next year’s commemoration should involve the participation of youth, including school and tertiary students,” he added.
The solemn ceremony was also attended by family members of the 11 victims, including then Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephens, Finance Minister Datuk Salleh Sulong, Works and Communication Minister Datuk Chong Thien Vun, and Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Peter Mojuntin.
Among the attendees were Faridah Stephens representing Tun Fuad’s family, Datuk Donald Mojuntin representing Peter’s family, Datuk Gordon Leong representing Salleh’s family, Ho Nyuk Ha representing Chong’s family, and Datin Jikilin Majitan, wife of late Datuk Jikilin Darius Binion.
Other representatives included Kota Kinabalu City Hall Director-General Lifred Wong, ASP Soliment Nyian, and Sutera Harbour Resort Deputy Executive Officer Gerry D’Cruz.
The plane crash which killed all on board occurred on June 6, 1976 in the Sembulan waters.
