PM: Downing of MH17 a barbaric act
KUALA LUMPUR: "We strongly condemn this inhuman, uncivilised, barbaric, savage and irresponsible act by those who are believed to have shot down the ill-fated flight MH17"
Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak, who said this when he convened a special sitting of the Dewan Rakyat today, added: "Nevertheless, we are not pointing fingers at anyone until the facts have been obtained. I am made to understand that the region where the tragedy occurred is under the control of the separatist group."
The prime minister said he was both angry and disappointed over two matters:
When he was informed that they (the Ukrainian separatists) did not regard the crash site as a prohibited area and did not adhere to the international standard practice of ensuring that evidence is not removed or impaired: and the delay in attending to the tragedy, which resulted in the failure to accord the bodies of the victims the honour and dignity they rightly deserve.
Najib said the shooting down of MH17 is an utmost cruel act and a brutal and violent criem.
At the sitting, MPs from both sides of the political divide unanimously condemned the downing of MH17 over Donetsk, in eastern Ukraine last Thursday when the plane was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.
Najib, in tabling a motion on the MH17 tragedy, called on the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to issue a resolution to strongly condemning the attack on MH17, as had been done in cases of a similar nature.
Admitting that he had to work in silence to expedite the investigation and try to get the bodies of the victims home, he said: "Not all our actions in the line of duty have to be broadcasted.
"Sometimes, we have to work quietly to get better results, especially when dealing with separatists. This had to be done to ensure the bodies are brought home for their last respects, though time had lapsed."
Reiterating that the route taken by MH17 was certified safe by the Ukrainian authorities and ICAO, he said many other Asian airlines had used the same route hours before the MH17 crash.
Najib said he has instructed the attorney-general to look into this matter thoroughly to ensure that any action to be taken by Malaysia is in accordance with the international law applied in matters of such a nature.
He, however, assured the victims' families that the government will demand justice while seeking the truth of the tragedy.
As to the bodies, Najib said: "I have promised the victims' families that I will do my best to bring the bodies home before Aidilfitri for them to have closure."
Earlier, the MPs observed a minute's silence as a mark of respect for the victims of the MH17.
Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said he hoped that the families of the passengers and crew would be bold and courageous in facing their moment of grief.
Full text of PM's speech:
http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1122442