MH17: Family decides to cremate Karamjit Singh in Malaysia

The remains of Karamjit Singh Karnail Singh who was on board the ill-fated Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 will be brought home and cremated in Malaysia.

His son, Amarpal Singh, 22, said the decision was made after a family discussion long before his family was informed that his father's remains were identified through DNA testing recently.

"I have not been informed when the remains will arrive in Malaysia. His ashes will be scattered near Port Klang when the time comes. We wish for a private and small service with only family members and friends," he told Bernama when contacted, here, today.

He said the family was relieved to hear the news and wished to get closure on the tragedy soon.

On another note, Amarpal praised Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's effort and success in bringing home the remains of Malaysians killed in the crash.

"I know he (Najib) is doing his best. We, the family actually expected the remains to be back at least at the end of this year, the soonest," he said.

The medical student of Monash University Malaysia, Johor Baharu also lauded Najib's quick action to ensure the family received financial aid as soon as possible.

Amarpal said the prime minister acted fast to ensure that he received a full scholarship under Yayasan Rakyat 1Malaysia (YR1M) for the remaining two years of his studies.

"My brother had a full scholarship under Universiti Teknologi Petronas and will soon be going to the United Kingdom for his internship. We are very proud of him," he added.

On his mother, Harbinder Kaur, 52, he said she was the source of strength for the siblings as she wanted them to continue and focus on their studies instead of being distracted by the tragedy.

Harbinder is now staying at the family home in Setiawangsa and prefers to be left alone and sometimes, some of the family members would stay overnight to accompany her.

"Initially, like all spouses, mum was hysterical but prayers help us. No family or anyone can help us with our grief but prayers. Now mum is my hero," he said.

Amarpal said the family was not keen to blame anyone for the tragedy as their focus was to move on.

He said his personal ambition was to pursue his dream in medicine to the highest level and make a name for himself.

"Even though I lost my dad, maybe I can discover something that can help and save the lives of other people in future," he said.

Karamjit, 54, an employee of ExxonMobil, was among 43 Malaysian passengers and crew on board the MAS aircraft when it crashed in Donestk, eastern Ukraine, near the Russian border, on July 17.

The plane carrying 283 passengers and 15 crew members, is believed to bave been shot down by a missile over the troubled country while on its way from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.