BY MD IZWAN and ELIZABETH ZACHARIAH
The Malaysian Insider
18 July 2014
Pakatan Rakyat leaders expressed their shock over reports that a Malaysia Airlines flight had crashed late last night near the Ukraine-Russia border, with Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim offering prayers for all on board.
The opposition leader said on Twitter that he was still awaiting confirmation about the tragedy and was praying for the passengers and crew of flight MH17.
“MH17, Ya Allah. Another tragedy. Awaiting details, pray for safety,” he tweeted.
Flight MH17, en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was believed to have been shot down over eastern Ukraine by pro-Russian militants on Thursday, killing all 295 people aboard.
MAS has confirmed that Ukraine air traffic control lost contact with flight MH17 at 10.15pm local time.
Penang chief minister and DAP secretary-general Lim Guan Eng writing on his twitter handle @cmlimguaneng said:“Sad shocking news about MH17.We r anguished wid pain at the loss of 15 MAS crew n 280 passengers.All Msians in mourning.Our prayers wid them”
DAP parliamentary leader Lim Kit Siang wrote: “Nation mourns as MH17 tragedy cannot be denied – deepest condolences to all bereaved families, relatives, friends of those who perished.”
Lim said the world must condemn and demand an international inquiry into the criminal downing of MH17 civilian plane with the 295 aboard – whethr Russian rebels or Ukraine.
PAS deputy president Mohammad Sabu said the parties who are involved in the Ukraine-Russia crisis had to be held responsible if the reports were found to be true.
“We have to be prepared to face this tragedy.
“If it is true that MH17 was shot down, Ukraine, Russia, Europe and the US have to take responsibility,” Mohammad said.
PKR deputy president Azmin Ali also urged the people to stay strong if reports that the plane was shot down were true.
“Pray for MH17, May Allah help us all,” said Azmin through his Twitter account.
Meanwhile, other Pakatan leaders also used their Facebook and Twitter accounts to share updates and post messages about the tragic news. – July 18, 2014.