PENAMPANG : – Immediately after the nomination at the Penampang Cultural Hall here today (15 Nov), Datuk Datuk Donald Mojuntin visited the grave of his father, the late Datuk Peter Mojuntin at the cemetery at St Michael’s Church in Penampang.
Donald paid his respects to his late father who died in a plane crash on June 6, 1976. Donald also paid the same tribute to his late mother Datin Nancy Mobijohn who passed away two years ago.
“I am paying respect to my inspiration, my hero, my dad. And of course, my beloved mum who raised us all on her own. 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.
A photo of him praying silently at his father grave was seen viral on his Facebook.
He prayed: “Heavenly Father, we pray for peace over this election, asking you to calm every heart and guide every decision. Let Your wisdom and grace be upon all voters and candidates.
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ (Philippians 4:7 NIV). We trust you, Lord, to bring unity, fairness and protection over our land, Sabah,” he expressed.
Mojuntin is contesting as Upko’s candidate in Moyog.
Previously, he represented Moyog seat in the Sabah Legislative Assembly (SLA) and Penampang as Member of Parliament.
With over 30 years of experience in politics and strong grassroots support, he is prepared to serve again for the development of the district.
Donald’s father Peter was seen as a courageous and authoritative Kadazan leader from Penampang during his time in the 60s and 70s.
He was respected and honoured throughout Sabah.
He began his political career in Upko which previously used the acronym United Pasokmomogun Kadazandusun Murut Organisation.
During the 1967 Sabah general elections, Peter Mojuntin obtained 6,908 votes compared to the United Sabah Nasional Organisation (Usno) candidate who received 2,089 votes.
In 1976, Mojuntin as the candidate from Berjaya obtained 4,020 votes whilst the USNO candidate, Joseph Lanjuat, a former Penampang district officer 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.
Peter Mojuntin was ‘The Golden Son of the Kadazan.’
