NEW YORK, Sept 27 — Datuk Seri Najib Razak highlighted the twin tragedies of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flights MH370 and MH17 at the United Nations meeting today, and hoped they would change the global aviation system for the better.
The Malaysian prime minister also hoped all nations would unite behind new standards on aircraft tracking and overflying conflict zones.
During the general debate of the 69th United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters here, he also thanked all those who came to Malaysia’s aid in this difficult year.
“(Flights) MH370 and MH17 were tragedies that will stay with us forever. As we mourn the loss of lives, we take heart from the compassion shown by our friends. Your support will not be forgotten,” said Najib.
Malaysia, he said, thanked her friends and allies who gave their time and resources to help locate Flight MH370 which disappeared on March 8 and “ended in the southern Indian Ocean”.
Flight MH370 which was carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew left the KL International Airport at 12.41am on March 8 and disappeared from radar about an hour later, while over the South China Sea.
It was to have arrived in Beijing at 6.30am on the same day.
Flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17, as it flew from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur with 283 passengers and 15 crew on board.
The Boeing 777-200 aircraft was shot down over Donetsk near the Russian border.
Najib said men and women continued to risk their lives searching the deepest oceans for Flight MH370.
“We owe them our gratitude, and our commitment: we will not give up the search,” he added.
Najib said Malaysia was also grateful to her international partners who were working together to investigate the MH17 tragedy.
“Malaysia will continue to seek justice for those who died. We urge all parties to continue co-operating with the investigation,” he said. — Bernama
