KOTA KINABALU: The younger generation in Sabah should be versed on the tragic ‘Double Six’ incident that transpired 38 years ago, on June 6, 1976.
Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin, whose father Datuk Peter Mojuntin was among the 11 people killed in the plane crash in Sembulan, near here, told reporters during the memorial ceremony for the tragedy at the Double Six monument that the tragedy was a historical event in Sabah and should be made known to all in Sabah, particularly the younger generation.
He added that 11 Sabahans, including the then Sabah Chief Minister Tun Mohd Fuad, perished in the tragedy.
Others who perished were the then State Finance Minister Datuk Haji Salleh Sulong, Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Peter Mojuntin, Works and Communications Minister Datuk Chong Thain Vun and assistant minister to the deputy chief minister, Datuk Darius Binion.
He also commented on the Double Six monument and stated that it could serve as a historical site and that the gallery established next to the monument had served as a venue where people could learn more about the fateful incident.
He added that the venue could serve as a tourist attraction for both local and foreign tourists and encouraged parents to bring their children to visit the gallery and get to know more about the tragedy.
Datin Jikilin Binion, when interviewed said she has yet to miss the memorial event since it started.
“I am happy they made the memorial and organised the yearly event to remember and provide recognition to the lives of the people who were lost here,” she said.
Jikilin was accompanied by her grandchildren and her brother’s family at the event yesterday.
She added that although 38 years had passed since the tragedy, the memory of that fateful day still remained with her.
“It hasn’t faded. I still remember him,” she said of her late husband.
She also recalled her thoughts then.
“I had two young children to raise. I was wondering how I could do it alone. My children were 12 years old and nine years old at that time. Aside from that, I could not think of anything else during those days,” she said.
Unfortunately, tragedy for her struck again with the passing of her son, and Jikilin said she now has to help look after her grandchildren as a result.
“I feel so sad because he was the one I have placed my hope on,” she said.
Present during the event yesterday was Assistant Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah, City Hall Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir and Fuad’s widow, Toh Puan Rahimah Stephens.