Don't politicise 'double six' incident - Donald Mojuntin

All parties have been urged not to politicise the 'Double Six' incident which claimed the lives of 11 people including state leaders, 41 years ago.

United Pasokmomogun Kadazan Dusun Murut Organisation (UPKO) secretary-general Datuk Donald Mojuntin said they should instead, do more positive things such as honouring the Sabah leaders who died in the Nomad plane crash on June 6, 1976, as they had contributed much to the state.

Among those killed were Sabah's first chief minister Tun Mohammed Fuad Stephens, state Local Government minister Datuk Peter Mojuntin, Communications and Works minister Datuk Chong Tahin Vun, Finance minister Datuk Salleh Sulong and assistant minister to the deputy chief minister, Darius Binion.

Donald, who is the son of the late Peter Mojuntin, said the leaders who perished in the crash were pioneers, who strived for the development and progress of the state.

"We must take the positives out of this and look at all their efforts to ensure that the Sabah we have today, exists.

"If not for them, if not for these leaders, the political awareness, the political involvement and the political relevance of Sabah would not be as great as now," he told reporters after a ceremony commemorating the tragedy at the Double Six Monument in Sembulan, near here, Tuesday.

Earlier, the ceremony began with a minute of silence and contemplation, followed by the laying of wreaths led by Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister''s Department Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah and the family members of those killed.

The late Mohammed Fuad's wife, Toh Puan Rahimah Stephens was also present.

Donald hoped the younger generation in the state would be more aware of the key events behind the plane crash tragedy by visiting the 'Double Six' Gallery located near the monument.

"(I hope they) come and visit the gallery, perhaps with that, they will get inspired and become great leaders," he said.

Meanwhile, Yong said the commemoration event would be held every year, and welcomed the public to visit the monument.

"We cannot change history, but we can learn from history to change the future," he added.

-- BERNAMA