Malaysia Airlines MH17 crash: Anwar backs Najib's call for emergency parliamentary sitting

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has declared his full support for Prime Minister Najib Razak's call for an emergency parliamentary sitting over the MH17 tragedy. -- PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has declared his full support for Prime Minister Najib Razak's call for an emergency parliamentary sitting over the MH17 tragedy. -- PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

PETALING JAYA (The Star/Asia News Network) - Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has declared his full support for Prime Minister Najib Razak's call for an emergency parliamentary sitting over the MH17 tragedy.

"We, in Pakatan, are totally committed to any resolution to categorically condemn the mass murder committed by the perpetrators.

"In this regard, the Prime Minister must be unequivocal in naming the party or parties responsible, whoever they may be," he said in a statement on Saturday.

Datuk Seri Anwar, who is Pakatan Rakyat (PKR) adviser, said the opposition also fully supported the demand that the culprits be brought to justice and that all necessary measures be taken to enable a swift and independent probe.

"This is indeed a time of grief and sadness for all Malaysians, as it is too for others.

"We urge all parties to refrain from making statements or remarks that are insensitive to the feelings of the families and loved ones of the innocent victims," he said.

On Friday, Mr Najib said an emergency Parliamentary sitting would be convened to state Malaysia's strong stand on the incident and to condemn the inhumane act.

The date for the sitting has been fixed on Wednesday.

All 298 people on board Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 en route to Kuala Lumpur from Amsterdam died when the plane crashed in Ukraine near the Russian border.

Other PKR MPs have also voiced their support for an emergency sitting, with Democratic Action Party supremo Lim Kit Siang tweeting: "Emergency Parliament most appropriate."

Penang Chief Minister and Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng said in his Twitter account that the emergency sitting will be fully supported by DAP MPs.

"Hope Gaza can also be discussed," he added.

Bayan Baru MP Sim Tze Tzin said he would attend the sitting to condemn the "perpetrators of this mass murder."

"Malaysia must be seen to speak up on issues of justice, peace and human rights, if we want to gain the respect of the international community," said the PKR MP.

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