KUCHING: The Sarawak government, through 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 Tun Openg.

He said that the foundation will also monitor the educational development of the children - Allesia Felice Haslie, four, and Hovannes Haslie, one.

"Today I informed the family of the deceased, 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 (RMN)," he said.

He said this after visiting the late Joanna's family in Kampung Engkaroh Tebakang, Serian, about 90 kilometres from Kuching city, today.

Joanna, from Kampung Sumpas Tampek, Serian, was one of 10 RMN personnel who perished in the tragedy of two helicopters, belonging to the RMN, crashing in Lumut, Perak, while conducting a rehearsal for a fly-past, in conjunction with the RMN's 90th anniversary, on April 23.

During the visit, Abang Johari also presented the state government contribution amounting to RM10,000 to Joanna's family.

- BERNAMA

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/1043757/sarawak-foundation-sponsor-education-late-joannas-children-abang-johari