Hishamuddin denies opposition's MH17 claims

JOHOR BARU: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein (pix) today denied allegations by some opposition parties accusing the government of according greater honour to Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH17 victims when compared to security personnel killed in the Lahad Datu intrusion.
"Actually, in terms of contribution alone what we have done and are doing for families of personnel killed in the Lahad Datu incident far outweighs what the government has done for families of MH370 and MH17 victims.
"The government does not want to advertise to the world what it is doing, but it's a lot. One day, the families (of victims) will feel compelled to voice out what the government has done," he told reporters after launching the Pasir Gudang Umno Division delegates meeting, near here today.
Among the contributions are national sovereignty medals awarded to victims posthumously, promotions, housing and education for the children of victims.
Hishammuddin said feedback received from Lahad Datu victims' families, as well as families of MH17 victims generally said they were satisfied with the honours conferred.
During the Lahad Datu incursion in February last year, a total of 10 national heroes were killed in 'Ops Daulat' while defending the country from a Sulu terrorist attack, including an ambush in Tanduo, Lahad Datu and Simunul, Semporna.
In the meantime, the list of the third group of victims of MH17 will be released on Monday. Hishammuddin said the third group was larger than the second group, and would be given the same honour and the ceremonial receiving of the remains would be broadcast live.
On Thursday, Armed Forces chief Gen Tan Sri Zulkifeli Mohd Zin was reported as saying that the repatriation ceremony to honour the victims of MH17 tragedy scheduled for Sept 2 at the KL International Airport, is expected to involve remains of nine more victims, including those of two foreign nationals.
So far, the remains of 24 MH17 victims had been repatriated. Flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17 as it was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur with 283 passengers and 15 crew on board.
The Boeing 777-200 aircraft is believed to have been shot down over the troubled country. A total of 43 people who perished in the tragedy were Malaysians. – Bernama