MH17:News/12 August 2014
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
News Summary
Media Statements
Tuesday, August 12, 03:00 PM GMT +0800 Statement By YB Dato’ Sri Liow Tiong Lai Minister of Transport, Malaysia
16 Fellow Malaysians Identified
The Malaysian Government has been working closely and tirelessly with the Dutch Government and other countries to identify the remains of the victims of the MH17 tragedy.
As a result of these efforts, 16 fellow Malaysians have been identified. The Malaysian Government is working towards returning them to be reconciled with their families soon.
As a mark of respect and to honour their privacy, we are in the midst of discussing with the next-of-kin pertaining to the reception of the remains when they arrive in Malaysia and their wishes are being accommodated.
We have informed family members in Malaysia that the Government will accord the victims full honour when they arrive back home.
Towards this end, the Malaysian Government seeks the collaboration of the media to work together with us in this time of great sorrow. It is our intention that this successful collaboration will be for the benefit of the next-of-kin while respecting the wishes of the family and ensuring the dignity the remains must receive.
We hope to work together with the media to ensure that the families are given the much needed privacy and the release of information pertaining to this grave matter will be on a timely manner with a view to respecting the privacy of the families.
The nation indeed mourns the loss of our brothers and sisters. We will need to stand together to help in the healing process during this grieving period, particularly for those who have lost their loved ones.
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Source: Ministry of Transport (Malaysia) MOT-MH17-12August2014