KUCHING, April 28 — The Sarawak state government, via the Sarawak Foundation, will sponsor the education of two children of Senior Seaman Joanna Felicia Rohna up to the university level, said Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Abang Openg.
It will also monitor the educational development of the children — Allesia Felice Haslie, four, and Hovannes Haslie, one.
“Today, I informed the deceased’s family, especially her husband (Petty Officer Haslie Ali), that we will register their children in the Sarawak Foundation… once they are registered, we will engage with them up to the highest level (of education).
“Hopefully, her children will study until university level; after that, they may inherit the heroic spirit and be interested in entering the military since both their parents serve in the Royal Malaysian Navy,” he said.
Abang Johari was speaking to the press after visiting the late Joanna’s family in Kampung Engkaroh Tebakang, Serian, about 90km from Kuching today.
Joanna, from Kampung Sumpas Tampek, Serian, was one of 10 Navy personnel who perished in the tragedy of two helicopters belonging to the Navy, crashing in Lumut, Perak, while conducting a rehearsal for a fly-past, in conjunction with its 90th anniversary on April 23.
During the visit, he also presented the RM10,000 state government contribution to Joanna’s family.
— Bernama
