Private MH17 memorial
> Prosecution process over downing of plane to be conducted in the Netherlands
PUTRAJAYA: A memorial service to mark the third anniversary of the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 tragedy was held behind closed doors at a hotel here yesterday.
Joining the victims’ next of kin was Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, Malaysia Airlines Bhd chief executive officer Peter Bellew and its chairman, Tan Sri Md Nor Md Yusof.
A briefing on the prosecution process to be carried out in the Netherlands was also held in conjunction with the event at the Marriot Hotel.
The Boeing B777 aircraft, which was on a flight from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur with 298 passengers and crew, was shot down in eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014.
Malaysia and the Joint Investigating Team countries of the Netherlands, Belgium, Ukraine and Australia have agreed that the prosecution of those responsible for shooting down the plane will be conducted in the Netherlands.
Liow recently said that the investigation process had identified 100 suspects and a full investigation was expected to be completed early next year before the prosecution process begins.
Met after the gathering that went on for over two hours, Liow described the mood of the victims’ family members during the gathering as solemn.
However, he said they appreciated government efforts to continue with the probe and bring those responsible to justice.
“They came up with a lot of questions for us and we answered them. I feel that through dialogues like this, we are able to give more accurate information to the victims’ next of kin,” he said.
Md Salim Sarmo, 68, the father of victim Mohd Ali Md Salim, 29, expressed hope the perpetrators that shot down the plane will be held accountable.
“I am satisfied with the explanation given by the government.
“All next of kin are hoping for justice in this tragedy and I will wait (for the outcome of the prosecution process),” he said. – Bernama