MH370: PM Lee pledges more help, if needed

Noting that Malaysian Premier Najib Razak was hosting the Singapore-Malaysia leaders’ retreat at a difficult time for his country as the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 continued, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong yesterday again expressed his sympathy and pledged that Singapore will provide more help as needed.

The Republic had participated in the search and rescue operations in the South China Sea and the Malacca Strait before the search effort there was called off.

Said Mr Lee: “I express my sympathy to (Mr Najib) and to the families of passengers and crew on board MH370. Singapore stands with Malaysia in this tragedy ... I told (Mr Najib) we stand ready to help Malaysia in the next phase of the investigations.”

During their meeting, the leaders agreed to explore ways for both countries to work more closely with fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states in search and rescue operations, in line with the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint.

Also speaking at the joint press conference following their meeting, Mr Najib said it was heartening that Singapore was among the first countries to extend help. He added that he had conveyed to Mr Lee his government’s gratitude and appreciation for Singapore’s prompt assistance.

The Singapore Armed Forces had supported the search and rescue operations in the Malacca Strait with the Republic of Singapore Air Force Fokker-50 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. It also deployed ships and aircraft to help with search efforts in the South China Sea, including a C-130 aircraft, a Formidable-class frigate with a Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopter on board, a Victory-class missile corvette, as well as a submarine support and rescue vessel with divers on board. LOH CHEE KONG