KUALA LUMPUR: THE Attorney-General’s Chambers is in the midst of determining the best way to obtain justice over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 on July 17.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the trial could be conducted either in Malaysia or the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
“I have been informed that Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail is now considering all possibilities and the proof gathered since the tragedy occurred.
“We are now a member of the international criminal investigation committee which should help us get to the bottom of this. (And we have good) diplomatic relations with the relevant stakeholders such as the Netherlands and Ukraine,” he said after launching Tun Abdullah Ayub: Riwayat Seorang Pentadbir (Ketua Setiausaha Negara 1979-1981), at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia campus here yesterday.
Hishammuddin said he was relieved to receive confirmation from the Russian ambassador to Malaysia about the country’s commitment to a fair and transparent investigation.
“They (Russia) too, want closure and to find the culprit of the MH17 shooting. This confirmation can help balance the geopolitical turmoil that is currently ongoing between Russia and Ukraine.”
Hishammuddin, however, clarified that the missile used to shoot down MH17 was without a doubt a surface-to-air BUK missile, and not an air-to-air missile as suggested by certain quarters.
“But this technology is also privy to the Ukrainians, so it’s best not to point fingers now. At this point of time, black box recordings and shrapnel from the missile are being scrutinised.”
On whether there was evidence found on the remains which could link the missile to the MH17 aircraft, Hishammuddin said it was not wise to jump the gun over the matter.
“Like MH370, we must make sure leads are corroborated and verified. I am happy to note that we are now in the international criminal investigation committee and I have spoken to the Russian and Ukraine ambassadors, but we will not forget justice for MH17.
“Let the committee announce the outcome of the investigation and the culprit. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has pledged that the crime will not go unpunished.
“The shrapnel found so far and whether it is linked to the culprit shooting down the plane should be left to the investigation team to announce,” he said.
For now, added Hishammuddin, the main concern was to re-enter the crash site and gather evidence to complete the investigation.
“It is now a war zone there. We can hope for safe passage or even ceasefire if negotiations go well. Nothing is impossible because it was once considered impossible to bring back the remains, but we managed it.”
Hishammuddin said there would be a special ceremony on Merdeka Day in memoriam of MH370 and MH17 victims.
-NST
