KOTA KINABALU – Sabah commemorated the 47th anniversary of the Double-Six tragedy yesterday, but the release of the investigation reports on the air crash has not brought the anticipated sense of closure for state leaders and the victims’ families.
On April 12, Malaysia made its version of the air crash investigation report public following a federal cabinet decision, while Australia released its report on April 26.
However, lingering questions remain about why it took 47 years for the reports to be made public and whether certain information was intentionally concealed.
Where’s the black box?
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Jeffrey Kitingan has raised questions on the location of the aeroplane’s black box and emphasised the importance of flight recorders on all aircraft.
Despite the Malaysian investigation report stating on page nine that no flight recorder was installed on the ill-fated aircraft, Kitingan maintained his stance.
“The reports have been released, but two questions remain. If there was no foul play, as indicated in the reports, why keep it under wraps for so long? Secondly, where is the black box? Why couldn’t it be found? Was it lost or purposely hidden?” Kitingan expressed his concerns to reporters after paying his respects at the Double-Six monument in Sembulan here.
“I don’t believe the black box couldn’t be found. It should not be difficult. It should have been on the plane itself at the time. So, who took it? Why was it hidden?”
Controversies abound despite release of reports
Eleven individuals lost their lives in the 1976 air crash, known as the Double-Six tragedy, which is regarded as a dark chapter in Sabah’s history.
The victims included then-Sabah chief minister Tun Fuad Stephens, state ministers, and government officials.
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The Malaysian and Australian final investigation reports revealed that the crash was likely caused by “unusual” technical difficulties, including an off-balance centre of gravity due to overloading in the aft baggage compartment.
Both reports also stated that the GAF Nomad aircraft was operated illegally and overloaded in the rear section.
Controversies surrounding the tragedy have emerged, with witnesses claiming to have heard an explosion before the crash. This has led to theories suggesting sabotage or a connection with Sabah’s oil rights due to the signing of an agreement with Petronas eight days after the crash.
Victims’ kin to mull next steps
The victims’ family members believe that important details about the air crash are still being withheld. While they have not yet decided on legal action, they plan to meet and discuss their next steps.
“We have no comment at this point. We are going to have a get-together and discuss what to do next. Don’t worry, once we have something to say, we will communicate it through our lawyer,” said Faridah Stephens, daughter of Fuad.
Meanwhile, Datuk Donald Mojuntin – son of Datuk Peter Mojuntin, who was also killed in the crash – said that the affected families would pursue collective action, whether legal or otherwise.
He emphasised the need for support from the Sabah government, as formalities would require reaching out to the federal government for assistance in the aviation sector and engaging with the Australian government.
‘Imagine what they could have accomplished’
Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Joachim Gunsalam, Sabah Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Abidin Madingkir, Likas assemblyman Tan Lee Fat, and family members of the victims attended the memorial service.
A separate ceremony was also held at the Datuk Peter Mojuntin statue in Penampang’s Donggongon town.
Former chief minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, who was present at the ceremony, described it as a recollection of the events that unfolded after the tragedy and the subsequent suppression of information.
“I have described them (those who perished in the air crash) as leaders who were at the defining moments of Malaysia post-independence. I see it as the beginning of the right path (for Sabah), but then tragedy struck,” said Dompok, who has also served in the federal cabinet.
“I cannot imagine what they could have accomplished (if they had not perished in the air crash). But during their short time in Sabah politics, their actions have captured the imagination of the people of Penampang. This is why they need to be given due recognition,” said Dompok. – The Vibes, June 7, 2023
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