Home Minister to assist in procuring evidence related to MH17
SEPANG, July 31:
Home minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is expected to hand over a diplomatic note from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak to Ukraine President Petro Poroshenko once he touches down in Kyiv, Ukraine today.
Ahmad Zahid, who left for the country at 11pm yesterday, said he would be meeting relevant parties involved with the investigations on a mission to secure the crash site of the downed Malaysian airliner in Grabovo in Eastern Ukraine and procure evidence related to MH17.
“Malaysia will be joining a team of international investigators from the Netherlands and Australia via a safe passage to assist in the investigation,” he said, referring to the site where the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) passenger aircraft crashed after being shot down by what was believed to be a surface-to-air missile.
He revealed that the diplomatic note includes Najib’s gratitude towards the Ukrainian government’s cooperation which was extended towards the Special Malaysian Disaster Assistance and Rescue Team (SMART).
The team would be going into the turmoil-engulfed region without any weapons, with Ahmad Zahid saying the team would be going in peace.
“We would be weaponless but will adhere to our standard operating procedures (SOP) to ensure the safety of the team.”
However, when asked on the exact duration of the team’s stay, Ahmad Zahid declined to comment.
“There is no duration of stay as yet due to the turmoil in the region despite news reports claiming that Ukrainian forces have captured eastern Ukraine.”
The 73 Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) entourage to Kyiv, Ukraine, is led by Ahmad Zahid and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar on a mission to assist investigations into the downed MH17 which claimed 298 lives.
The Home minister is set to update further on the mission once he reaches Kyiv.
The entourage consists of several top officers from PDRM who travelled to Kyiv before making a further six-hour journey to join the 12 police forensic personnel in Kharkiv.
“However, since there is news of fresh skirmishes around the region, we will be provided safe passage to travel to the crash site,” Khalid said, during a speech to the team at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), here, last night.
Khalid said the mission would consist of assisting the International Police to investigate into the cause that led to the downing of MH17.
“We would be assisting in procuring the remains of the victims and proof as well,” Khalid said, adding that police meant business when they touched down at the turmoil-engulfed region.
The team was also equipped with bulletproof vests, masks and ballistic helmets to prepare for any untoward incidents, along with rations.
“Families need not worry as this is a responsibility we have towards the country and its people.
“I urge Malaysians to pray for our safety,” Khalid told reporters last night.