‘Seek Judicial Review if still not satisfied’ dare
Published on: Tuesday, June 11, 2024
Harris and the late Tun Fuad Stephens.
Kota Kinabalu: The Special Assistant to former Chief Minister Tan Sri Harris Salleh called on Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan and Datuk Donald Mojuntin to seek a Judicial Review over their “unanswered questions” surrounding the 1976 Double Six tragedy.
The tragedy which claimed 11 lives, including prominent Sabah leaders, has long been a contentious issue with Jeffrey asserting that it significantly altered the State’s political landscape.
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However, Max Collard argued that political shifts can occur regardless of accidents as proven by leadership changes in Sabah’s political history.
“Jeffrey must be aware that any change in a country’s leadership often leads to shifts in its political landscape, it goes without saying,” said Collard in a statement.
“Sabah’s history exemplifies this with the transition from Usno to Berjaya government, and subsequently to Parti Bersatu Sabah.
“These changes illustrate that political shifts can occur independently of accidents, even dictators are replaced over time,” he said.
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He noted that Jeffrey had also questioned why late Tun Fuad Stephens was prepared to sign the Oil and Gas Agreement with Petronas as Chief Minister.
“The answer lies with The Petroleum Act of 1976 which was passed by Parliament with the participation of Sabah and Sarawak. Fuad recognised the supremacy of Parliament in Malaysia,” said Collard.
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Hence, Max said a Judicial Review may address their unanswered questions, particularly regarding the alleged deprivation of the families’ ability to take action for 47 years.
“He (Jeffrey) needs to compile a comprehensive list of questions. As someone with a Doctorate, it is incumbent upon him to provide fair and just statements in the interest of Sabahans,” Collard said.
Collard also pointed out that the action to pressure the Malaysian and Australian governments to finally declassify the respective Double Six investigation findings was not due to any family member or politicians but a High Court judgement initiated by Harris following a series of investigative reports by Daily Express.
He said that if the Malaysian government is considered naïve and uncivilised for keeping the crash reports secret, then the Australian government must be considered uncivilised as well.
“It is noteworthy that the company that produced the Nomad aircraft is 100 per cent Australian owned and there were numerous Nomad crashes worldwide, including the crash that took the life of Nomad Chief test pilot Stuart Pearce and David Hooper, the Nomad Chief structure engineer,” Collard added.
Collard said Sabah’s leadership should now focus on pressing matters such as improving the State’s infrastructure and ensuring reliable electricity and water supply.
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