Hishammuddin committed to assist Liow in MH370 search

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein is committed to continue cooperating and assisting the newly-appointed Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai in ensuring smooth running of the search for Malaysia Airlines flight MH370.

Hishammuddin, who had served as Acting Transport Minister over the past year, said: "We have divided our responsibilities evenly".

"I will continue assisting and ensuring that the ties I have established with leaders of the countries involved will be maintained until Liow is comfortable to take the lead.

"If he needs me to attend any press conferences to answer issues that concerned me, I'll be glad to do it," he told a joint conference with Liow after the handing-over of duties ceremony here today.

Last Wednesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak announced the appointment of three new minister and three deputy ministers from MCA and Gerakan, with Liow as the new Transport Minister.

Hishammuddin said he and Liow would also be briefed about the latest development from four Cabinet committees related to MH370, namely the Passengers' Next of Kin Committee, Technical Committee, Asset Movement Committee as well as the Liaison, Communication and Media Committee, in Parliament tomorrow.

He also said that they would ensure seamless transition into the new phase of search.

"I will be introducing Liow to all the relevant authorities and stakeholders in China and Australia in order to ensure his smooth transition into the role," he added.