Najib Calls For Emergency Parliament Sitting On MH17 Incident

KUALA LUMPUR, July 18 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has called for an emergency Parliament sitting to table a motion to criticise the inhumane act committed on Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 which was believed to have been shot down in Ukraine, on Thursday.

The Prime Minister said the emergency sitting was to state the firm stand of the Malaysian people on the unfortunate tragedy.

Najib said Malaysia strongly criticised the inhumane act which he described as uncivilised, violent and irresponsible.

"Although the flight MH17 was believed to have been shot down, we are not pointing fingers at any one at the moment until concrete proof could be verified," said the Prime Minister in a special message on the MH17 tragedy which was aired live on RTM1, here today.

Najib said he was made to understand that the area where the incident took place was controlled by rebel troops.

"Thus, we are making various efforts, including through diplomatic channels and Malaysia's cordial relations with the countries concerned so that the investigating team can carry out their task while handling of the victims could proceed smoothly," he said.

The Prime Minister said the Malaysian government demanded that the parties involved must guarantee the safety of the rescue teams throughout the operation.

"Secondly, the Malaysian government also urges the parties concerned not to obstruct and contaminate evidence at the site of the tragedy so that investigation could can be carried out transparently and effectively.

"Thirdly, if investigation proves that the flight MH17 was shot down, Malaysia demands that the party responsible be brought to book," he said.

The Prime Minister added that he had conveyed the three demands to the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) Ban Ki Moon.

"I have also requested the Russian President, Vladimir Putin to extend whatever cooperation to achieve these objectives," he said.

Najib also called on all Malaysians to be united and strengthen the spirit of solidarity to face this heartbreaking incident.

"In this moment of sadness which is most challenging, let us stand united, strengthen the spirit of solidarity to face this tragic occasion.

"May Allah grant His blessings for our endeavours to go through this hard time," the Prime Minister added.