Many pay last respects at MCA offices

KUALA LUMPUR: Hundreds of people paid their last respects to the victims of MH17 at a special ceremony at Wisma MCA here.

Led by MCA leaders such as treasurer-general Datuk Seri Kuan Peng Soon, organising secretary Datuk Yoo Wei How, deputy organising secretary Chai Kim Sen, Youth secretary-­general Leong Kim Soon, the mourners – consisting mostly of Wisma MCA tenants – gathered as early as 9.30am for the session, where live tele­cast of the proceedings at KLIA were shown on a giant screen at the porch of the building.

The crowd observed a minute of silence, and also laid down white and yellow chrysanthemums – gestures replicated across MCA offices nationwide.

MCA Youth chief Chong Sin Woon said he was heartened to see the whole nation united in showing support by wearing mourning ­colours, and hoped Malaysians would similarly join hands and show unity to face all future obstacles.

Wanita chief Datuk Heng Seai Kie said the wing wished to convey its condolences to the families of the victims.

The party’s Public Services and Complaints Department chief Datuk Seri Michael Chong said he prayed for the dead to rest in peace, as well as for the “murderers to be punished”.

In Johor, some 100 state MCA members gathered at the party’s state headquarters to observe the moment of silence.

Johor MCA administrative officer Lim Tah said members and leaders thronged the hall as early as 10am to catch the live telecast from KLIA.

“We just wanted to show our love and respect for the victims and come together to mourn this great loss,” Lim said.

Johor MCA state secretary Chia Song Cheng, who was also present at the session, said it was encouraging to see people come together for a day of mourning.

“As a nation, we must have the spirit of togetherness and show our love and support for the families and friends of the victims. They (the victims) will be remembered in our hearts forever, not just today,” said Chia.

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