Next of kin converge at KLIA for MH17 memorial service
Flight MH17 was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was carrying 298 passengers and crew members. - Photo Astro AWANI/MARIAH AHMAD
An approximate 1,000 guests are expected to flock the Bunga Raya Complex at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport to witness the memorial service to commemorate the first anniversary of the downing of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17, here today.
The memorial service will see the gathering of family members of those on board the ill-fated Boeing 777-200 flight tragedy which was shot down over Ukraine on July 17, last year.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak arrived at approximately 10am accompanied by Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
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Azharuddin (right) seen here talking to one of the guests at the memorial service for MH17 tragedy victims. - Photo Astro AWANI/MARIAH AHMAD
Other guests, largely made up of next-of-kin and MAS employees were seen entering the premises as early as 8.30am.The next of kin, who began to arrive as early as 8am, were ushered to their seats and were given a special ribbon reflecting MAS's uniform to pin on their clothes.
Among the early birds were Director-General of Civil Aviation, Datuk Azharuddin Abdul Rahman Women,
Family and Community Development Minister, Datuk Seri Rohani Abdul Karim were seen offering words of comfort to next-of-kin.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin and his wife Puan Sri Norainee Abdul Rahman, cabinet ministers and other government officials were also present at the gathering.
Malaysia Inspector-general of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai walked into the complex moments later accompanied by Ministry's officials.
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Rohani, seen here at the memorial service to commemorate the first anniversary of the downing of MAS flight MH17 over Ukraine on July 17, last year. - Photo Astro AWANI/MARIAH AHMAD
One of the activities of the ceremony, which is expected to begin at 10am, would be a video screening of the events around the MH17 tragedy and observing a moment’s silence.
The Bunga Raya Complex was the venue where the remains of the victims of the tragedy were flown in last year.
Flight MH17 was en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur was carrying 298 passengers and crew members.
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