KUALA LUMPUR: Flags will be flown at half mast while Cabinet ministers will be dressed in black ties when the first batch of remains of the MH17 victims arrive in Malaysia this Friday.
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said no dress code has been decided yet for members of the public.
“A moment of silence will be observed by all, regardless of race and religion, when the remains arrive at KLIA from Amsterdam.
“There will be a live telecast of the arrival and so, I urge Malaysians nationwide to also observe the moment at the same time.
“This is an important symbolic gesture and we will offer our highest respects to the victims,” said Liow, who is also MCA president.
He was speaking to reporters after attending the Selangor Wanita MCA’s annual general meeting and 40th anniversary at Wisma MCA here on Sunday.
He said so far, 24 bodies of Malaysian victims have been identified in the post mortem in Amsterdam.
However, he said only 16 bodies - 15 Malaysians and one foreigner, were expected to arrive in KLIA via a special Boeing 747 flight at 10am on Friday.
“If the other bodies that have been identified receive clearance to be released, they will also be sent back together with the 16 bodies. Otherwise, the remaining bodies may have to be sent via a second batch,” Liow said.
This Friday has been announced as the national day of mourning in memory of the MH17 victims when they arrive back on Malaysian soil.
The MH17 flight, carrying 298 passengers, crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17 after it was believed to have been shot down.
A total of 43 Malaysians were on board, including 15 Malaysia Airlines crew members.
Liow said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Dr Wee Ka Siong was in Amsterdam to manage the remains of victims who were to be cremated there.
“The Defence Ministry will announce more details on the ceremony to receive the remains in KLIA, including whether the public will be allowed to be present.
“We will have to make proper arrangements as we have limited space in the Bunga Raya complex in KLIA,” he said.
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