JULY 22 — Past few days is almost a nightmare.

This is supposed to be the usual Monday where I have meetings. Supposedly with a colleague returning from his business trip and a Europe family vacation.

His message says: I will return July 18… which Paul never did.

No words could describe the deep sadness we felt.

MH17 is a flight that I have taken many, many times. There are two flights on the same route (with an hour difference). Most people, including the Dutch, prefer MAS. I have been on this flight umpteen times.

Despite all the rumours and angry messages, I believe many Malaysians are angry and aghast at this plain disregard for humanity. Some have even taken the route of condemning MAS, as well as our government. We all feel the need to do something to ‘fix’ this after being struck by lightning twice.

First, it was MH370 and now MH17. Have MAS been careless this time? I’m not part of the MAS organisation neither do I work there. But I know after the MH370 incident, they have really been on their toes. They would rather delay a flight for more than 10 hours (on my return flight from Melbourne to KL) than to fly with a faulty plane part. They’d rather compensate us, put us in a hotel and allow ground staff to suffer our complaints. If they need to fly in replacement parts from another place, they will do it.

Most of the time when I’m on board, most of the crew members say: You have a choice of MAS or other airlines. We don’t. This is our livelihood. Whether we land safely or not the next day, it’s takdir (destiny).

I believe all the crew members, including pilots, are already gripped with fear after MH370. Why are we blaming and condemning those who are not able to defend themselves in MH17? How different are we, compared to those who fired the missile at innocent lives?

Prayers are all that we could offer; there is very little we can do to help recover the bodies or the dignity of the victims.

The very least we can do is stand united behind our nation’s leaders as Malaysians. — MySinchew.com

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.