United in grief for flight MH370

Several days after the devastating Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 disappearance on March 8 last year, social activist Datin Paduka Marina Mahathir through Malaysians for Malaysia spearheaded the MH370 Wall of Hope project.

The ‘wall’ was an avenue for the public to express their sentiments about the ill-fated aircraft. Messages of hope, compassion, love and prayers to the families were conveyed through the walls. That is because it hits home hard -- regardless who you pray to, it isn't exactly hard to find a common ground, if we wish to.

The event, held at The Square, Publika saw well-wishers arrived in droves as early as 10am, Sunday. Billed, "MH370 Day of Rememberance, Marina who was among other Malaysian key figures present said, “a lot of people wanted to find some way of expressing how they felt and ‘walls of hope’ provided that avenue”.

Marina, who is a social activist also said the messages that were posted on the wall were moving. She also lauded the support portrayed by the public regardless of their race, religion or creed who came in full force in a show of solidarity for family members, friends of passengers and crew members on board the flight MH370.

People just prayed for everyone regardless of their religion and race and solidifies the true definition of humanity," she said, matter-of-factly.

Marina added, “We wanted to show a gesture of support, a gesture of solidarity and had no idea what the wall of hope would become”.

The project kick started with 15 walls placed around Klang Valley and had gained positive response from the public. The organiser walked the extra mile to spread love nationwide including in Penang, Ipoh and Johor.

Sharing similar sentiment with Marina is full-time management associate, Debra Nita Ravindran who was also helping out with the MH370 commemoration event said that the next of kins should reach out to people.

“If you ever feel that you’re alone in this plight, remember that you’re not.

“Some of us might have not lost our loved ones in MH370 but we know the pain of losing someone very dear and close to us,” said the 24-year-old.

Jeyshankari Thanasegaran, 17, lost her aunt said she recalls being close to since she was six and her only hope is for her return home soon.

“Periamma (Aunty), please be back home soon, we’re waiting for you and you know that,” she said in a trembling voice in an effort to hold back tears.

Hundreds of messages of hope pining for those onboard MH370 filled the tribute boards and balloons at The Publika. Reverberated strongly on it were messages like 'do come home', " please come back' and 'God, bless you".

Astro AWANI is dedicating a tribute page to commemorate one year since the tragedy occurred on March 8.