PENAMPANG: At least two candidates – a Christian and a Muslim – in the Nov. 29 election started their campaigns by first visiting the graves of their parents.
Immediately after the nomination at the Penampang Cultural Hall Datuk Datuk Donald Mojuntin visited the grave of his father, the late Datuk Peter Mojuntin, at the cemetery at St Michael’s Church.
Peter died in a Nomad air crash on June 6, 1976. He also paid same tribute to his late mother Datin Nancy Mobijohn who passed away years ago.
“I am paying respect to my hero, my dad. And of course, my beloved mum. She was our pillar.
“I pray for spiritual strength, good health, calmness and clarity of mind to face the election. I pray for a peaceful election and our beloved Sabah,” he said.
Donald is contesting as Upko’s candidate in Moyog. Previously, he represented Moyog seat in the Sabah Legislative Assembly (SLA), Penampang as Member of Parliament and as a Senator.
Donald’s father also his political career in Upko which previously used the acronym United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation.
During the first 1967 Sabah election, Peter obtained 6,908 votes compared to the United Sabah Nasional Organisation (Usno) candidate who received only 2,089 votes.
In 1976, Peter as the candidate from Berjaya obtained 4,020 votes whilst the USNO candidate, Joseph Lanjuat, a former Penampang district officer only received 608 votes.
Unfortunately, tragedy struck when on their way back from Labuan to partly celebrate their victory defeating Usno, Peter Mojuntin and 10 other ministers, including Sabah Chief Minister Tun Fuad Stephens, died in a plane crash on 6 June 1976.
Barisan Nasional (BN) candidate for the Sungai Manila seat, Zaini Tiksun, also first visited the graves of his parents at the Bintang Baru Cemetery in Rancangan Sungai Manila Batu 12, Sandakan.
According to Zaini, the visit symbolised the beginning of his journey as the Sungai Manila candidate, while also seeking strength and peace of mind ahead of the coming campaign period.
“I came to pray for my late parents, may their souls be blessed,” he said.
“They have always been my source of strength, and today I seek their blessings so that this struggle will be filled with grace,” he said.
He said the visit held a special meaning as it reminded him of the great responsibility he carries in defending the welfare of the people in the very place where he was born.
“Sungai Manila is my home, the place where I grew up.
“With the trust given by the party, I will ensure that every effort made is for the progress and well-being of the people,” he said.
