The Prime Minister's wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor hopes the people will stop speculating over the missing of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH370 out of respect for the families of the passengers and crew of the ill-fated flight.
"Do not speculate as long as there is no verified information. I hope the whole world will give thought to feelings of the families of the 239 people who were on board the aircraft," she said.
She said anyone with credible information on the tragedy should come forward to assist efforts to trace the plane which as been missing since March 8.
Rosmah said this when interviewed on BernamaTV's "Ruang Bicara" programme which was broadcast live on Monday night. It was also streamed live on Bernama's website.
"Don't throw stones and then hide your hands behind your back (make wild allegations). That's cowardice, don't just talk and not provide solutions," she added.
Flight MH370, carrying 227 passengers and 12 crew, left the KL International Airport at 12.41 am on March 8 and disappeared from radar screens about an hour later while over the South China Sea.
It was to have landed in Beijing at 6.30 am on the same day.
A multinational search was mounted for the Boeing 777-200 aircraft, first in the South China Sea and then, after it was learnt that the plane had veered off course, in the southern Indian Ocean.
When an analysis of satellite data indicated that the plane's last position was in the middle of the Indian Ocean, west of Perth, Australia, it was announced that Flight MH370 "ended in the southern Indian Ocean".
Rosmah said as a woman and mother, she felt for the families involved who wanted answers to what happened to their loved ones.
Recalling her meeting with some of the families, she said some begged her for answers as to what actually had happened.
However, she said she was deeply saddened that she could not help in providing them the anwswers.
"I felt helpless...I wanted to help but could not. All I could do was to try to comfort them," she said.
Asked on her initial reaction on hearing about the plane's missing, Rosmah said she was in a state of sadness and shock.
"I was shocked, my knees were shaking, my whole body felt weak, I started fervently praying the plane would be quickly found," she said.
She said her first thoughts were that the aircraft might have experienced mechanical problems.
Rosmah also praised the dedication of the search teams involved in efforts to locate the missing jetliner which entered its 38th day today.
"Place your trust in the people who are tirelessly working to find the plane," she said.
She added that because of the close relations Malaysia had with many countries, they did not hesitate to help out in the search for MH370 and offered a multitude of assets and sophisticated equipment.
Rosmah also shared with the audience about the telephone conversations Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had with foreign leaders regarding the matter.
"Even before he could finish what he wanted to say, many of the leaders straight away informed him of their willingness to help and asked what they could do," she said.
The search effort at one stage saw the participation of up to 26 countries and it now has become the biggest search operation in aviation history.
On other matters, Rosmah, who is also the patron of early chilhood education initiative Permata, touched on the Permata Kurnia Centre here which will provide specialised education services for autistic children.
It will start operations in April next year.
She said the centre located in Sentul would collaborate with New York-based Autism Speaks, which is renowned around the world for working with autistic children.
"We want to give the best to children suffering from autism and this centre will provide a conducive learning environment to enable them to explore their fullest potential," she added.
Bernama
Mon Apr 14 2014
Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor (in blue) visiting family members of passengers on flight MH370. File Photo
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.