Entire nation should observe minute's silence when remains of MH17 victims arrive - Hishammuddin

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein suggested that the entire nation observe a minute's silence when the remains Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 victims arrive, here.

He said it was the best way to pay their last respects and share the grief faced by the families and extend condolences to the families who were part of the 298 passengers and crew of Flight MH17 which went down in eastern Ukraine.

"If the proposal received a positive response, all Malaysians, no matter what colour or race they are, rich of poor, can offer their condolences and pay their last respects when the remains of the victims arrive in Malaysia," he told reporters after opening a Kepong Division Wanita Umno delegates meeting here today.

Also present was Wanita UMNO chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

Hishammuddin who is also a member of the newly established coordination committee for the MH17 victims, said he would meet Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai tomorrow to discuss the proposal.

Flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17, as it was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur with 283 passengers and 15 crew on board.

The Boeing 777-200 aircraft is believed to have been shot down over the troubled country.

Besides Malaysians, nationals from the Netherlands, Australia, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, the Philippines, Canada and New Zealand were among the 298 passengers and crew on board.