MH370News:2014/Day 044
Day 044: Sunday, 20 April 2014
News Summary
Media Statements
Sunday, April 20, 04:00 PM MYT +0800 MH370 Press Briefing by Hamzah Zainuddin Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Chair of Next of Kin Committee
Introductory Statement
Firstly, let me touch on the question of Malaysia’s response. This situation is unprecedented. We are in the middle of a multinational search involving many countries.
I have chaired three (3) NOK Committee Meetings on the 7th, 10th and a third sub-committee meeting on the 14th of April 2014. The meetings were attended by representatives from 16 relevant Ministries and Agencies.
This morning, my committee had another meeting with the next of kins in Malaysia to try and find a solution for the family members to move forward.
As the chair of the next of kin committee, I understand the anguish and pain the families are going through and I give my personal assurance
that our committee is keeping the families’ best interest close to our hearts.
Areas of Discussion
Let me take this opportunity to update you on the progress of our committee so far.
We have looked into various issues related to the NOK of passengers on MH370.
The sub-committee on NOK, as stated by Dato Seri Hishammuddin in his press conference yesterday, is working closely with various Governments especially the countries whose nationals were on board MH370. From the meetings with the respective embassies and high commissions, various issues that needed urgent attention were addressed such as the objective and framework of our committee.
The sub-committee has also undertaken steps to address the needs and welfare of the Chinese NOK including assigning Datin Paduka Chew Mei Fun to discuss with the Chinese Government on the needs and welfare of the Chinese NOK. During the meeting, both sides have exchanged views and discussed ways and means to assist the next of kins in Beijing.
In my capacity as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, I will be travelling to Beijing soon to also ensure that bilateral relations between the two countries will continue to be strong and unaffected by the MH370 issue.
Today’s Engagement
This morning I met with some of the family members of those on board MH370. Part of our discussion with the next of kins was to find a solution for the family members to move forward as they have gone through so much. I can completely understand their need to find answers however as I said in the briefing, we are looking for the answers ourselves.
We also touched on the topic of financial assistance in the meeting this morning, and they have decided that they will propose a plan for financial assistance, which will be emailed to us as soon as possible. I have promised them that I will bring up this matter in the committee meeting tomorrow.
We are working closely with them to ensure that, as said before, their best interests would remain close to our hearts.
Concluding remarks
We realise this is an excruciating time for the families of those on board. No words can describe the pain they must be going through. We understand the desperate need for information on behalf of the families and those watching around the world. In the meantime, our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those on board.
Source: Malaysia Airlines via Web Archive .