MH17: If it's true the plane was attacked, it should be condemned - Nik Aziz

Former Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat expressed his condolences to the families of victims on board Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17.

"From my hospital ward, I read the tragic news about the MAS aircraft which was reportedly shot down by Ukraine resulting in the deaths of (at least) 23 Malaysians and over 200 passengers.

"I express my condolences to the families of the victims on board, may God have mercy on their souls especially for Muslims during this holy month of Ramadan," he said in a statement today.

He also called on a detailed investigation into the incident, particularly on the use of airspace in that area.

"If it is true that the aircraft was attacked in Ukraine as reported, then it must be condemned and action must be taken," Nik Abdul Aziz said.

"The international community must exert pressure on the parties involved in the conflict so that innocent civilians do not become victims," he added.

Nik Abdul Aziz is currently being warded at Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM) in Kota Bharu, Kelantan to undergo treatment.