by Lim Kit Siang

All Malaysians are united as one people behind the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak and fully back his call for “swift justice” against the perpetrators of the crime against humanity who blew MH 17 civilian aircraft out of the sky in Ukranian airspace last night and murdered 298 passengers and crew on board in cold blood.

Before the country has recovered from the disaster of the 132-day disappearance of MH 370 Boeing 777 jet with 239 passengers/crew on board on March 8, despite the largest and longest multi-national air, land, sea and sub-sea search, Malaysians reel with incredulity, shock and grief at another major air disaster to hit the country involving another Boeing 777 jet in less than five months.

Malaysia is in mourning today with Malaysians totally distraught at the senseless and criminal snuffing out of innocent lives, including three infants, as a result of the unspeakable crime against humanity against MH 17 in Ukraine.

All Malaysians extend the deepest condolences to the bereaved families, relatives and friends of the 298 passengers/crew of MH 17.

Like the still unresolved MH 370 disappearance, the MH 17 disaster is not just a national catastrophe but an international calamity, as the victims are nationalities from at least nine nations, viz. Netherlands 154, Malaysia 43 (including 15 crew), Australia 27, Indonesia 12, United Kingdom 9, Germany 4, Belgium 4, Philippines 3, Canada 1 and unverified 41.

The international community must condemn and demand an international inquiry into the criminal downing of MH 17 and murder of 298 people on board and bring the criminals to justice, whether the culprits are Russians, the pro-Russian Ukrainian separatists or the Ukranians.

The Malaysian authorities should launch an immediate international diplomatic initiative into the MH 17 catastrophe to ensure that no stone is left unturned to ensure a credible and comprehensive international inquiry into the downing of MH 17 civilian aircraft and the murder of 298 people on board.