SANDAKAN: The Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS), in collaboration with the Sandakan Parliamentary Service Centre, held a memorial ceremony, on Friday to commemorate the “Double Six” tragedy at Taman Chong Tain Vun, Jalan Trig Hill.
The event drew leaders and community representatives, including Member of Parliament Vivian Wong Shir Yee, MPS President Walter Kenson, several State Assemblymen, agency officials, NGOs and family members of the late Datuk Chong Tain Vun.
Wreaths were laid, followed by a moment of silence to honour the lives lost in the air crash.
window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.defineSlot('/22826383987/dailyexpress_inline', [1, 1], 'gpt-passback').addService(googletag.pubads());googletag.enableServices();googletag.display('gpt-passback');});Walter said the memorial was a joint initiative between MPS and Vivian Wong to remember one of Sabah’s darkest days and in particular, to recognise the contributions of a prominent figure from this district who died in the crash.
“He was a respected lawyer and public servant. This ceremony is a step toward ensuring the tragedy and the people we lost, are never forgotten,” he said.
He also expressed gratitude to all who attended, regardless of political affiliation, and noted the strong support from local organisations despite the short notice.
“This marks the start of what we hope will become an annual remembrance at the district level,” Walter said.
Vivian hoped the council would continue the initiative, saying it was important for younger generations to learn about the tragedy and its significance in the state’s history.
Tanjong Papat Assemblyman Datuk Frankie Poon said the memorial served not just to recall a national loss, but to honour the sacrifices of leaders who dedicated themselves to Sabah’s development.
Jetama Chairman Liau Fui Fui agreed, adding that the legacy and leadership of those who perished must continue to be honoured.
The tragedy occurred on June 6, 1976, when a plane carrying several Sabah leaders crashed in Kg Sembulan after departing from Labuan to Kota Kinabalu.
Among the victims were Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephens, Datuk Salleh Sulong, Datuk Peter Mojuntin, Chong Thien Vun and Assistant Minister Darius Binion.
Also killed were pilot Captain Gandhi Nathan, Johari Stephens (eldest son of Tun Fuad), Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Wahid Peter Andau, Economic Planning Unit Director Dr Syed Hussein Wafa and Isak Atan, private secretary to Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.
