Families of missing passengers glad it is only a suspension

PETALING JAYA: While they are glad that the search for MH370 will not be abandoned but only suspended if nothing is found in the current search area, families of those missing are concerned about what happens in the interim.

“We are glad the search will be suspended and not terminated but disappointed that no explanation or clarification was given,” said Voice 370 spokesman Grace Nathan.

Grace, who lost her mother Anne Daisy Nathan, was disappointed there was no meeting set up with next of kin yesterday.

She said there was only a press conference after the tripartite meeting.

“Why aren’t we allowed to ask any questions?” she said.

K.S. Narendran, who lost his wife Chandrika Sharma, said he hoped “this decision is followed by sincerity in the months to come.”

He added that the suspension of the search in the 120,000sq km should not amount to suspension of investigations.

Narendran, who flew in from Chennai, India, wanted alternative projections on where the plane could be to be examined as well.

Jacquita Gonzales feared the suspension could last years or even a decade.

“I am afraid they will suspend and not do anything,” said the wife of MH370 in-flight supervisor Patrick Gomes.

“Get the countries where debris are washing up to educate their public to spot and recover possible clues,” she said.

Some next of kin were lost for words.

Elaine Chew, wife of steward Tan Size Hiang, said she didn’t have a reaction.

“I don’t know what to think,” she said.