50 years on: Double Six tragedy a reminder to defend Sabah's rights, says Donald Mojuntin

 By Olivia Miwil

June 6, 2026 @ 11:52am

Moyog assemblyman Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin said that the 50th anniversary of the Double Six tragedy should serve as a reminder for Sabahans to remain united in defending the state’s rights, dignity and future. — STR/MOHD ADAM ARININ

KOTA KINABALU: The 50th anniversary of the Double Six tragedy should serve as a reminder for Sabahans to remain united in defending the state's rights, dignity and future, said Moyog assemblyman Datuk Donald Peter Mojuntin.

In a statement marking the anniversary today, Donald said the tragedy, which occurred on June 6, 1976, remained one of the most significant events in Sabah's history, resulting in the loss of leaders who had devoted their lives to serving the state and its people.

"Although five decades have passed, their service, sacrifices and fighting spirit remain alive in our memory," he said.

Donald, 61, is the son of late Datuk Peter Mojuntin who was the local government and housing minister.

Peter was among the 11 victims in the plane crash that occurred off the Sembulan waters.

Other victims were the then chief minister Tun Fuad Stephens, Datuk Salleh Sulong (Sabah finance minister), Chong Thien Vun (Sabah works and communication minister), Datuk Wahid Peter Andu (secretary to Sabah finance minister), Dr Syed Hussin Wafa (state economic planning director), and Datuk Ishak Atan (private secretary to then Federal Minister Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah.

Mojuntin said the tragedy was not merely an event to be remembered but a reminder that Sabah's future must continue to be guided by courage, unity and commitment to safeguarding the state's rights and interests.

He said the same spirit continued to underpin the Sabah First movement, which he said was not about separating Sabah from Malaysia but about ensuring that the state's rights under the Malaysia Agreement 1963 (MA63) and the Federal Constitution were fully respected, implemented and protected.

"The struggle to claim Sabah's 40 per cent entitlement, powers guaranteed to the state, fair development, and respect for Sabah's position within the Federation of Malaysia, is part of the responsibility of today's generation to continue the legacy of those who came before us," he said.

Donald also called on Sabahans to remain united in facing current challenges, regardless of race, religion or political beliefs.

"Only through unity can we strengthen Sabah's voice and ensure a better future for our children," he said.

He told Sabahans to renew their resolve to defend the state's rights, dignity and future in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Double Six tragedy.