By: DATUK SERI ANWAR IBRAHIM
We are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic news of the crash of Malaysian Airlines Flight MH17 from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur with 295 people on board.
Our deepest condolences go to the relatives and loved ones of the passengersand crew who perished in this horrific mid-air disaster. In particular to the families of our 23 Malaysians who have lost their lives, we share their sorrow and bereavement and pray for strength to get through this tragedy.
While it has been reported that the Boeing 777-200 MAS jetliner was shot down by a surface to air missile over the conflict zone in Ukraine, it has not been established who is responsible.
Regardless of that, we condemn this act of terrorism and urge the international authorities to conduct a full and independent investigation and to bring to justice the perpetrators of this mass murder.
Meanwhile, we call on MAS and our Malaysian authorities to do their utmost in handling the disaster and in particular to be utterly sensitive to the feelings andtotally responsive to the needs of the families and loved ones.
This is yet another national tragedy and our moment of deep grief and sorrow.
# Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is Opposition Leader, Malaysian Parliament