MAS staff remember colleagues
PETALING JAYA: Last year was the saddest in the history of Malaysia Airlines.
Employees and affected family members are still reeling over the missing Boeing MH370 as well as the downed MH17, said chairman Tan Sri Md Nor Yusof.
He said a year after MH370 disappeared along with 239 passengers and crew, there was still no clue to shed light into the incident.
Speaking at a Malaysia Airlines private gathering yesterday in memory of 13 employees who were on board MH370, he said that while they gathered in memory of those missing, thoughts and prayers should also go to the loved ones of the 298 passengers and crew of MH17.
MH17 was shot down over Ukraine on July 17 last year.
“Today, we gather here to remember 13 dear friends and colleagues who left us when MH370 disappeared one year ago.
“We love them. We miss them and we will never forget them. They will always remain in our hearts,” said Md Nor.
Some 500 MAS employees and 100 family members of the missing crew attended the event at Malaysia Airlines Academy in Kelana Jaya.
Md Nor paid tribute to the 13 missing crew members namely Zaharie Ahmad Shah, Fariq Abdul Hamid, Andrew Nari, Foong Wai Yueng, Goh Sock Lay, Junaidi Mohd Kassim, Liang Yu Yang, Mohd Hazrin Mohd Hasnan, Ng Yar Chien, Patrick Francis Gomez, Tan Size Hiang, Tan Ser Kuin and Wan Said Wan Ismail.
MAS group chief executive officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya expressed appreciation for the employees’ tireless effort and continued support to the airline and the affected families.
“Whilst MH370 was tragic for all of us, it also brought out the best in Malaysia Airlines.
“Watching how the whole organisation came together, united, supporting each other as a family in crisis, really amazed me. I am deeply honoured and touched by the spirit of volunteerism shown by everyone who came forward offering to help,” he said.
Malaysia Airlines received overwhelming support on Twitter.
“Thank you for easing each and every trip of mine. #KeepFlying as you are #AlwaysInMyHeart. We will be strong, together,” tweeted @azfadh82.