Kota Kinabalu: A newly-established NGO called Sunduvan Sabah vowed it will not rest until the Australian government releases the official findings of the June 6, 1976 plane crash that killed five Sabah Cabinet members.
Its President Aloysius Danim Siap said since the report of the findings had been kept confidential at the request of the Malaysian government, the Sabah government must call for its release since it is considered a foreign government.
"Next year, it is going to be 40 years since our leaders perished in the crash. Why are they keeping us in the dark as to why it happened? What caused it?
"Why did the Malaysian government instruct the Australian government to seal the information? Therefore, it is our goal to pressure the government to lift the lid on this issue as soon as possible," he said.
At least, said Aloysius, the government should be transparent and come up with a statement on the real reason for the tragedy so that the people of Sabah will finally know the truth.
Sunduvan Sabah, he said, will also organise a wreath-laying ceremony to remember those who died in the plane crash on June 6 at the Double Six Monument Park at Sembulan.
"We are anticipating between 300 and 500 people would join us including local political parties, namely Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP), Sabah Reform Party (Star) and Sabah Reform Movement (APS).
"A total of 28 NGOs including Sunduvan Sabah will also be participating in the event which will start at 9.30am, right after the State-sanctioned event on the same day," he said.
The purpose of the event, said Aloysius, is to remember the 10 people who died in the plane 39 years ago, especially the five Cabinet members including then Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephen.
"The group were our heroes who were supposed to dictate our future with regards to our resources (oil and gas) but because of the tragedy, we lost our valuable treasure.
"Had they not died, we would have followed a different path. We would not have so much problems with our economy, security, Borneonisation, education, illegal immigrant problems and so on. Others may have other views, but this is what we in Sunduvan Sabah believe," he said.
Aloysius urged the public to come to the memorial park on June 6 and show solidarity with other Sabahans who mourn the death of the leaders by wearing black or dark shirts.
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