The Australian Parliament today observed a minute's silence ahead of the first anniversary on March 8 of the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 with 329 passengers and crew while on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.
In the presence of the Malaysian High Commissioner to Australia, Datuk Zainal Abidin Ahmad, and representatives of countries involved in the search for the aircraft, Prime Minister Tony Abbott said he could not promise the search would maintain its intensity of the past year.
But he promised the families who had loved ones on the flight that the Australian-led search mission would continue working as best it could to resolve what has been dubbed as "one of the greatest mysteries of our time".
Although Sunday will mark a year since the flight disappeared, Federal Parliament honoured the victims today - the last day of its sitting before it goes into recess for a week.
Abbott extended his sympathies to the families for their "harrowing" year of sorrow, and acknowledged the efforts of the search operation which so far has failed to provide them answers.
"We know these anniversaries are painful beyond words," Abbott said in his speech televised nationwide.
"The message of this Parliament to all of the families of MH370 is that you remain in our thoughts and prayers. To you - and to all those with loved ones aboard that flight - my pledge is that we are taking every reasonable step to bring your uncertainty to an end," Abbott said, describing the search operation as the biggest of its kind in history.
He also praised the search effort as an extraordinary example of international cooperation.
In the first few weeks, 28 search aircraft from Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and the United States completed 345 sorties into the southern Indian Ocean, he said, adding that ships from Australia, China, Malaysia, the United Kingdom and the United States also joined the search.
Based on satellite information, it was presumed that the flight had made a turnback and went missing over the southern Indian Ocean.
Abbott said that as the search from the air and on the surface reached its conclusion, Australia began the largest underwater search ever carried out, in an area that had never been mapped before.
He said that to add to the difficulty, the search zone was one of the world's roughest stretches of ocean.
Opposition Leader Bill Shorten said all Australians could sympathise with the MH370 families.
"Because all Australians have known this sadness, because all of us have walked this road, this parliament can say to you today that you're not alone."
Bernama
Thu Mar 05 2015
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 disappeared with 329 passengers and crew while on a flight from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing.
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.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.