Families of Double Six tragedy to seek legal help for compensation

THE families of the victims in the Double Six air tragedy in 1976 are contemplating legal recourse after their demands for compensation had gone unanswered since the declassification of the crash report.

In a joint statement, Faridah Stephens, Datuk Donald Mojuntin, and Kartina Sulong, members of the Stephens, Mojuntin, and Sulong families, expressed their intention to take legal action.

"After 47 years of enduring pain and seeking answers, the families of the victims of the Double Six Tragedy have finally seen a ray of light.

"The declassification of the investigation report on April 12, 2023, provided crucial insights into the circumstances of the crash, but the reasons for the long delay in releasing the report remain opaque.

“The prolonged delay has only deepened the wounds suffered by the families, preventing them from moving forward and obtaining closure on this tragic chapter in their lives," they said in a statement in Kota Kinabalu today.

They said the families were committed to carrying the legacy of their loved ones, not only in their hearts but also through their actions, adding that they will continue to seek the truth and justice in ensuring that such a tragedy never occurs again.

On June 6, 1976, an air crash involving the Nomad Aircraft 9M-ATZ claimed the lives of some of Sabah's most prominent leaders, including the then Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephens, Finance Minister Datuk Salleh Sulong and Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Peter Mojuntin, among others.

Investigations were carried out by both the Malaysian and Australian governments, but both parties initially classified the report. It was not until former Sabah chief minister Tan Sri Harris Salleh sought a court order that the document was finally declassified.

The Kota Kinabalu High Court, on March 8, 2023, ordered the Malaysian government to declassify the federal investigation report on the June 6, 1976 plane crash.

Harris' suit came in his bid to put an end to the accusations and slander against him over the crash by Sabah leaders.

According to Harris, a documentary titled "Lies in the Sky" aired on Australia’s TV7 programme "Four Corners" had been clear that the particular aircraft, the Nomad GAF, was not fit to fly due to a faulty design. – June 4, 2024.