Latest news with #MH17
Gulf Today
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Gulf Today
VIDEO: Putin's cheeky moment with Malaysian PM over ‘throne for the second wife' goes viral
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim light-hearted conversation during business meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin went viral on social media after the PM Ibrahim hesitantly said the third throne on St Andrew's Hall was for the Tsar's second wife. The light-hearted moment during tour of the Kremlin Palace has been trending on all social media platforms. Putin told media, "I was telling the prime minister what St Andrew's Hall is. There are three thrones there, and I asked Mr prime minister, 'Mr prime minister, one throne is for the king (Tsar), the second for his wife. Who do you think the third is for?' Putin laughed and said, 'Mr prime minister almost without thinking answered, 'For the second wife!" Both Putin and Ibrahim burst into laughter after conversation. Putin said, "This is the answer of a true Muslim, a true representative of Islamic culture." He added, "Our traditional values may not always be the same, but the exchange of information is always useful for both parties." Anwar, laughing, clarified, "I only have one wife, Mr President." He went on to explain how he felt Putin was testing him, "He asked, 'There are three chairs in the throne room. Which one is on the right?' I said: 'Of course, the wife on the left, and the second wife...' Then I...I feel the second one on the left is for the mother." Putin confirmed, "Yes, the second throne is for the mother." According to historical facts, the three thrones in St Andrew's Hall represent the Tsar, the Tsarina, and the Dowager Empress, the Tsar's mother. The hall itself is one of the Kremlin's principal ceremonial rooms, often reserved for presidential inaugurations and official state receptions. Apart from the light moment, the Malaysia's premier Ibrahim said he discussed the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 with Putin, days after the UN's aviation agency blamed the 2014 tragedy on Moscow. Anwar was in the Russian capital on an official state visit after the International Civil Aviation Organization released its findings that Russia was responsible for the passenger jet's downing in a ruling dismissed by Moscow as "biased". Anwar said Putin told him Moscow "was ready" to assist in an investigation by any organisation that it deemed independent. "I can say for sure that, he (Putin) denied saying that he is not ready to cooperate," Anwar said Thursday in a statement. Eleven years ago a Boeing 777 belonging to Malaysia's official carrier was shot down by a Russian-made BUK missile over war-torn eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 on board. The majority of passengers were Dutch, but there were also 43 Malaysians and 38 Australians on board the scheduled flight between Amsterdam and Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014. Both the Netherlands and Australia have called on Russia to assume responsibility for the downing and pay damages.
Malaysiakini
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Malaysiakini
MH17 victim's kin: We're open to Russia-M'sia investigation
The sister of Ninik Yuriani, one of the victims who died when Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down, said she is finally ready to let go and begin healing from the loss. Enny said her family would support any joint investigation by Russia and Malaysia, following Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's discussion with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the findings of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Speaking to Malaysiakini, Jakarta-based Enny Nuraheni shared that she...
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
MH17 – When will we hear the truth?
The columnist views PM Anwar's visit to Russia as 'a golden opportunity' to touch on MH17 and other related matters. — Bernama photo I REFER to the AFP 's report as quoted by The Borneo Post on May 14, 2025. Read it. At long last, there appears to be some sort of a closure to the investigations of a tragic event in the history of civil aviation: the downing of a Malaysian plane in July 2014, and with it, the loss of precious human lives, among them 43 Malaysians. Where? Over that part of Ukraine known as Donetsk, now annexed and controlled by Russia. The investigations into the shooting down of the MH17 had found evidence that the Russian weapons had been used to destroy the Malaysian plane. For no good reason! There was no war between Malaysia and Russia. And even if there had been a war, that's not a reason to fire at any civilian aircraft. The report by AFP, as quoted by The Borneo Post on May 14, 2025, also points to Russia's culpability in the payment of damages for the destruction of the aircraft. Not too sure what that means – we need some clarification. The question is: would these 'damages' include payments to the relatives of the victims? After all, they were all the employees of the Malaysian Airlines, and they died in the course of duty. There must be terms and conditions of service, and these must be recognised by the employers. There is something vague in the media report, though; it needs a clarification in terms of the distribution of compensation money. Always supposing that the compensation money will be forthcoming. For confirmation of the media report, I think the Malaysian government, specifically the Ministry of Transport, should convey the news – if this has not been done – to the relatives of the deceased employees of Malaysia Airlines. I'm sure that they want to know of the latest development of the case. For example, they would like to know what exactly that they are waiting for, not so much the award of damages but more importantly, the acceptance of culpability by whoever was responsible for the untimely deaths of their loved ones. That closure matters much more to a bereaved family than the money as such. Since the media report was published mid-week, we have been waiting for a statement from the relevant authorities reacting to the report. I am surprised that since news about the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's current visit to Russia broke at midweek, there has been no statement from the Malaysian government about Russia's admission of guilt. The Russians had rejected the finding of the investigators and thereby dismissed the ruling of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) of the United Nations UN). Why? Because these investigations had been 'carried out by a team headed by the Netherlands, without the participation by Russia'. This appears to be 'business as usual' in Russia – anything that makes their government look bad is simply ignored. It looks like the UN agency, or the UN itself, is facing a credibility gap! Be that as it may, I suggest that the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) should, if it had not done so, initiate a move to help the relatives of the victims by arranging a meeting between those relatives and the relevant authorities or even with the Russian officials in Kuala Lumpur to find out for sure if the relatives would be entitled to the award of damages at all, or whether the damages would only meant for the loss of the aircraft itself, not to be shared among the relatives of the employees. Nothing to be ashamed of for asking for some clarification on this matter from the relevant authorities. Just so that there is no waste of time waiting and then getting frustrated in the process at the end of the day. I am sure the Government of Malaysia would not mind if Suhakam would make such a worthy move. Meanwhile, the government would do a good service if the Transport Ministry issued a statement acknowledging that the Russian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur had been duly contacted through the diplomatic channel about the media report above. The current visit by our Prime Minister to Russia provides a golden opportunity for him to find out the truth about the payment of damages, as diplomatically as possible. Frankly, the Malaysian public would like to know if he brought the topic up at all. My guess is that he has whispered in Russian President Vladimir Putin's ears to the effect. As Malaysia wishes to be a member of BRICS, with Russia being the leader of the group, one expects that the matter of the shooting down of a Malaysian plane by the Russians would be one among the top priority on the agenda of the visit to Russia. I certainly hope so. * The opinions expressed in this article are the columnist's own and do not reflect the view of the newspaper.
Borneo Post
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Unanswered cry for justice and compassion a decade after MH17
In the echoing silence left by the shattering explosion that ripped through the skies over eastern Ukraine on July 17, 2014, lies a wound that refuses to heal. What happened was that Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down. It wasn't just a plane breaking apart; it was the tragic death of 298 innocent people. It was a cruel act that devastated families and made many countries feel deep sadness for a long time. Now, ten years on, the UN aviation agency, ICAO, has clearly stated Russia is the culprit for the MH17 atrocity. They found Australia and the Netherlands' claims valid, based on Russia violating the rule against using weapons on civilian planes. This decision gives renewed voice to the grief of victims' families, like Wan Yusuf Irfan Wan Amran, son of Captain Wan Amran Wan Hussin, whose powerful words are a passionate call for justice and compassion after such immense loss. Irfan's words paint a vivid picture of a life irrevocably altered. For a nine-year-old boy, July 17, 2014, became the day his worldnfractured, the day his father, a pillar of laughter, discipline, and quiet strength, was stolen by a senseless act of extermination. His simple yet profound statement, 'Over a decade has passed, yet not a day goes by without thoughts of him,' speaks volumes about the enduring pain that time cannot erase. It is a testament to the indelible mark left by a loved one, a constant reminder of what was so fiercely taken away. The ICAO's ruling, a long-awaited confirmation of what investigationsnhave painstakingly revealed, has reignited the fervent demand fornjustice. Irfan rightly asserts that MH17 was not just any plane; it was a symbol of national identity, 'our national carrier, carrying ourn people under the Malaysian flag.' The downing was an assault not only on individual lives but on the collective spirit of a nation. To have an international body pinpoint responsibility should be a pivotal moment, a catalyst for resolute action. To be responsible, in response, Malaysia must now lead a coalition of nations — the Netherlands, Australia, and others — to escalate accountability through international courts, leveraging the ICAO ruling to demand reparations and sanctions against those implicated. Simultaneously, diplomatic pressure at the UN, even in the face of veto threats, could amplify global condemnation and moral clarity. Yet, the disappointment in Irfan's voice is profound as he laments the perceived lack of 'resolve and compassion' from the authority. Malaysia's emotionally distant and mechanical response to the MH17 tragedy, devoid of basic compassion, distressingly reveals a deeper national unease. When a commercial aircraft carrying 298 souls was blasted out of the sky in a conflict not of their making, the world looked on in horror. Families across continents plunged into grief, while nations scrambled to assert moral clarity and demand justice. And yet, amid this storm of anguish and urgency, the official Malaysian reaction appeared curiously muted — more concerned with protocol than with pain, more focused on preserving diplomatic poise than acknowledging raw humannsuffering. What a shame! This aftermath desperately needed clear empathy, a voice for national grief, and leadership that could mourn while firmly seeking justice. The lack of this wasn't just a PR mistake; it showed a clear gap between the government and the people's emotions. In such a huge tragedy, silence and coldness felt wrong. Malaysia needed then, and every nation needs — not just good administration, but the courage to feel and show it when the world is watching. It speaks of a profound disconnect between the bureaucratic machinery and the raw, visceral pain of those who have suffered the ultimate loss. To be treated as a 'footnote in a long-forgotten chapter' is an acute indignity, a further wounding of already broken hearts. This demands immediate redress: the establishment of dedicated Family Liaison Units to provide personalized updates and mental health support, coupled with a parliamentary resolution formally acknowledging the families'suffering and affirming the state's duty to protect their dignity. The call for 'significant recognition' and a 'clear path toward justice' is not an unreasonable demand; it is a fundamental expectation of a system meant to protect and support its citizens, one that has, thus far, fallen short. Following in his father's aviation footsteps, Irfan's experience isnparticularly heartbreaking. The mentorship he was denied, seized away by both the Russian perpetrators and a system in Malaysia he believes failed to protect his father's memory, layers another profound personal tragedy onto this already devastating event. His father, who 'served Malaysia with pride,' deserves to have his sacrifice acknowledged and honored. To transform this grief into a legacy, Malaysia could establish the 'Captain Wan Amran Aviation Scholarship,' funding aspiring pilots in his name, while integrating MH17's lessons into school curricula to ensure future generations understand the human cost of geopolitical recklessness. The fact that his service and death 'have not been met with the respect and protection they deserve' is a painful truth that demands restoration. The plea for compensation, framed not merely as a financial obligation but as a 'national duty and a symbol of dignity,' underlines the need for a response that transcends mere legalities. It is about acknowledging the sincere value of the lives lost and offering a tangible symbol of the nation's commitment to its bereaved families. A state-funded compensation program, including educational grants and healthcare support, must be established, not as charity, but as a moral imperative. Concurrently, Malaysia should spearhead multilateral negotiations to hold Russia financially accountable, mounting reparations as a non-negotiable component of justice. The sentiment that families should not have to 'chase what is rightfully theirs' speaks to a desire for proactive empathy and support, a recognition of their ongoing suffering. In his heartfelt conclusion, Irfan's words echo with a profound human yearning: 'We do not ask for pity. We ask for justice. We ask for memory. We ask for compassion. We ask to be seen.' This is not a plea for special treatment but a fundamental request for their suffering to be acknowledged, for the memory of their loved ones to be honored, and for the pursuit of justice to be carried out with genuine compassion. To answer this call, Malaysia must erect a national MH17 memorial — a sacred space for collective mourning — and designate July 17 as a day of remembrance, ensuring the tragedy remains etched in the nation's consciousness. Leaders must also meet privately with families, offering not just apologies for past bureaucratic failures, but a pledge to center their voices on all future actions. The ICAO's ruling provides a crucial foundation for moving forward. Indeed, it is a validation of the truth that families have long known and a step towards holding those responsible accountable. However, the impassioned words of the pilot's son serve as a strong reminder that justice is not merely a legal outcome; it requires a human touch, a demonstration of empathy, and an unwavering commitment to remembering the lives that were so tragically lost. Malaysia's response must transcend symbolism: by partnering with ICAO to reform conflict-zone flight protocols, it can ensure MH17 catalyzes systemic change, preventing future atrocities. Transparency through ublic progress reports and family inclusion in diplomatic delegations will further bridge the gap between policy and humanity. The world must not allow MH17 to become a footnote. It must remain a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict and the enduring need for justice and compassion in its wake. Through legal rigor, cultural remembrance, and unrelenting empathy, Malaysia can transform this tragedy into a testament of resilience — one where Wan Yusuf Irfan's cry for justice becomes a chorus answered by a nation that refuses to forget.
New Straits Times
17-05-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Anwar: Russia visit not a sign of alignment with any power bloc
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's official visit to Russia should not be misconstrued as aligning with any global power bloc, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has asserted. He said that strengthening ties with Russia would not come at the expense of Malaysia's longstanding relationships with other key partners, including the United States, China, and other major trading nations. Anwar reaffirmed that Malaysia would continue to chart its foreign policy independently, guided by national interests and principled diplomacy. "Alhamdulillah, the Malaysian delegation has returned with valuable experiences from Russia, from enhancing bilateral ties and exploring new areas of cooperation to gaining insights into the country's history, cultural richness, and the resilience of its people. "My deepest appreciation to our hosts for the exceptional hospitality and friendship extended to us," he said in a Facebook post today. The prime minister undertook an official visit to Russia from Tuesday until yesterday, during which he held high-level meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Discussions between the leaders covered various aspects of bilateral cooperation, including trade, investment, energy, education, aerospace technology, and agri-commodities. Anwar added that his meeting with Putin opened up opportunities for trade, investment, and tourism, alongside discussions on the resumption of direct Aeroflot flights to Malaysia. He said Putin also expressed support for cooperation in the halal industry and Islamic finance. "I value the friendship established with President Putin. I also raised the issue of MH17 with him. "Malaysia stands firmly on the principle that the truth must prevail in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families," he said. During his meeting with Mishustin, Anwar said both parties discussed cooperation in the agricultural sector, including cocoa and palm oil, as well as efforts to resolve issues impeding bilateral trade. A roundtable session with 24 leading Russian companies also opened up opportunities for collaboration across various sectors, including palm-based products, the chemical and furniture industries, digital technology, and artificial intelligence. "In a press conference with Malaysian media at the conclusion of the official visit, I emphasised the significant achievements made in strengthening Malaysia-Russia ties, exploring new strategic areas of cooperation, and expanding Malaysia's role as a bridge between the Islamic world and global powers," he said.
