MH17: Political parties condemn act of terrorism

PETALING JAYA: PKR has condemned the downing of MH17 over eastern Ukraine as an “act of terrorism” that must not go unpunished.

In a statement today, PKR defacto leader Anwar Ibrahim said the nation is once again plunged into a national aviation tragedy soon after the disappearance of MH370.

“We condemn this act of terrorism and urge the international authorities to conduct a full and independent investigation,” he said.

He also said the perpetrators of this mass murder must be brought to justice.

“We call on MAS and the Malaysian authorities to do their utmost in handling the disaster,” he said requesting that the situation be dealt with sensitivity towards the families and friends of the victims onboard MH17.

“MAS and the Malaysian authorities must be utterly sensitive to the feelings and totally responsive to the needs of the families and loved ones (of the passengers),” Anwar stressed.

“Our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the passengers and crew who perished in this horrific mid-air disaster,” he added.

MH17, carrying 295 passengers and crew crashed in Ukraine. It is believed to have been shot down by a missile although who did it is a subject of dispute.

Meanwhile DAP adviser and Gelang Patah MP Lim Kit Siang fully supports Prime Minister Najib Razak’s call for “swift justice” against the perpetrators of this crime.

“Malaysians are united as one people behind Najib,” he said, adding that before the country had recovered from the March 8 disaster of MH370, it has been visited by the downed MH17.

“We reel in incredulity, shock and grief at another major air disaster to hit the country in five months,” he said extending his condolences to all the bereaved families, relatives and friends of the passengers and crew of MH17.

“The international community must condemn and demand an international inquiry into the criminal downing of MH17,” he said.

Meanwhile, MCA Publicity Bureau deputy chairman Marco Yap urged all Malaysians to act with restraint and not spread unverified information.

“This is to show respect to the victims and their families,” he said. “The best way to help right now is to offer a quiet prayer for the victims and their families and friends.”