Flight MH17 anniversary: Malaysia remains committed to pursuing justice, accountability, says Transport Ministry

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia remains steadfast in its commitment to pursue truth, justice, and accountability for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 on July 17, 2014 in Ukraine, says the Transport Ministry.

It urged all states and parties involved to cooperate fully with the proceedings in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2166 (2014).

“The Malaysian Government remains committed to pursuing the independent, open, and impartial criminal proceedings against the alleged perpetrators in the Dutch National Prosecution.

“A thorough and exhaustive judicial process must be pursued to hold the perpetrators to account and pursue justice for the victims and next-of-kin involved in the MH17 tragedy.

“Establishing the truth of what happened continues to be our utmost priority,” it said in a statement on Saturday (July 16), in conjunction with the eighth anniversary of the tragedy on July 17.

The ministry said it commemorates the tragic losses of 298 lives on board that fateful flight in solidarity with the next of kin.

It expressed its deepest sympathies and condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims of Flight MH17.

“While nothing can bring back those who lost their lives, or diminish the grief and anguish suffered by their families and loved ones, it is imperative that we pursue accountability and ensure that such a tragic incident is never repeated.

“Our prayers remain with those who perished and their families and loved ones,” the statement said.

MH17 was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur when it was shot down by a missile fired from territory held by pro-Russian rebels during fighting with Ukrainian government troops, international investigators say.

All 298 people on board were killed, two-thirds of them Dutch nationals.