Malaysian leaders seek justice for ‘this crime against humanity’

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian leaders were united yesterday in calling for the perpetrators responsible for the crash of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 to be brought to justice, as Parliament unanimously approved a harshly-worded motion to condemn the downing of the plane.

Wrapping up an emergency sitting of the House, Deputy Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said Malaysia will invoke local criminal laws with extra-territorial applications to punish those responsible for the crash. “Malaysia demands that the parties responsible for committing this abominable crime against humanity to be brought to justice. As the Malay saying goes, blood debt must be repaid with blood,” he said.

All 298 people on board the plane — including 43 Malaysians — died after it was believed to have been shot down by a Russian surface-to-air missile on July 17.

Mr Muhyiddin said Malaysia will use criminal laws with international jurisdiction, such as the Penal Code and the Aviation Offences Act against those responsible. He also called on the global community to aid its efforts.

“Malaysia realises that our authorities do not have jurisdiction to conduct an investigation or make arrests in other countries. Therefore, the investigation and jurisdiction over the criminals can only be executed with the co-operation and genuine commitment by the relevant countries and authorities,” he said.

During the debate, Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim also called on the government to take the matter to the International Criminal Court.

Prime Minister Najib Razak had tabled the five-paragraph motion, which “demands that a comprehensive investigation be carried out so that those believed to be responsible for this crime against humanity through the shooting down of Flight MH17 are immediately brought to justice”.

The motion condemned the “inhumane, uncivilised, violent and irresponsible” actions of parties responsible for downing. In his speech, Mr Najib said he had instructed Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail to look into possible action against parties responsible for the crash.

The Prime Minister’s handling of the disaster had earned him plaudits from Malaysians and abroad. Mr Najib negotiated with rebel leader Alexander Borodai and secured an agreement for the plane’s black boxes to be handed over to Malaysia and the victims’ bodies transported to Amsterdam.

“I would like to congratulate the PM and the government on the way they handled this tragedy,” Mr Anwar said in Parliament.

Said Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng: “It was a risky move because it involves dealing with someone who is not a recognised leader. And, in fact, diplomatic protocols were breached. But it was worth it.”

Malaysia yesterday also pledged to send home the remains of Malaysian victims before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri festival next week, although investigators warn the identification process might take weeks. AGENCIES