P Ramasamy has berated the prime minister for failing to take a firm stand against Russia over findings that the country was responsible for downing Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 in 2014.
Hurling brickbats over Anwar Ibrahim’s supposed “soft approach” on the matter, the United for the Rights of Malaysians Party (Urimai) pro-tem chairperson said the premier’s conduct on the issue thus far has raised serious concerns.
“It’s deeply unfortunate that the Malaysian government has yet to take a firm stand to demand accountability and compensation from the Russian government.
“Anwar’s failure to do so, despite overwhelming evidence and international consensus, reflects a lack of moral courage and leadership,” he said in a statement today.
On Tuesday, it was reported that the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had ruled that Russia was responsible for shooting down MH17, and will consider appropriate reparations in the coming weeks.
Following the decision, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong called upon Russia to finally face up to its responsibility for the “horrific act of violence” and make reparations for its egregious conduct, as required under international law.
The ICAO finding followed the November 2022 conviction of two Russians and a Ukrainian man in absentia of murder for their role in downing the plane.
Russia, which has consistently denied involvement, rejected the ICAO ruling as “biased”.
Last night, Anwar said Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a thorough, comprehensive, and non-politicised investigation into the downing of MH17, with the latter also insisting that such probes must be independent and meticulous.
Anwar, who is on an official visit to Russia until tomorrow, added that Putin is unable to cooperate with anybody he or Russia considers to be “lacking in independence”.
Russia deflecting blame
While acknowledging that Anwar had raised the matter during an official meeting with Putin, Ramasamy, however, took issue with how the matter was handled.
“Anwar appears to have taken a soft stance, reportedly agreeing with (Putin) on the need for a so-called ‘impartial investigation’ - a narrative Moscow often uses to deflect blame.
“Anwar’s approach - listening passively, refraining from challenging Putin and even engaging in light-hearted banter about ‘second wives’ - was not only disappointing, but disrespectful to the memory of those who lost their lives,” he added.
Ramasamy was referring to a report where the duo reportedly shared some laughter during a private tour of the Kremlin Palace, with Putin calling Anwar “a true Muslim” over the latter’s second wife joke.
Ramasamy said Putin’s insistence on yet another investigation into the MH17 incident only serves to prolong justice and dilute accountability.
“Shockingly, there was no clear proposal from Putin on what constitutes this ‘impartial body’, further underlining the evasion of responsibility.
“This meeting with Putin was not just a missed opportunity - it was a betrayal of the victims’ families and a stain on Malaysia’s international standing,” he added.
Being ambiguous unhelpful
Expressing similar sentiments, MCA Youth deputy chairperson Mike Chong said Putrajaya should not dilly-dally or water down its response to the recent findings.
“This is a defining moment for Malaysia. Our response must be swift, unequivocal and grounded in our moral duty to uphold international justice,” Chong said in a statement today.
“Any hesitation or ambiguity will not only betray the memory of those who perished, but also risk eroding Malaysia’s standing on the global stage as a country committed to human rights and the rule of law,” he warned.
He also said Malaysia should not put itself in a position where it appears “complicit through silence or delay”, and instead speak with moral clarity while joining the international community in seeking accountability, reparations and closure.
“This is not simply about geopolitics or diplomacy. It is about honouring those who died and ensuring that such a tragedy is never allowed to fade into history without justice being served,” he added.
Chong also said that the ICAO is an impartial and multilateral aviation institution operating under the United Nations - a body where Russia holds full membership and veto powers.
As such, he said questioning ICAO’s legitimacy is akin to rejecting the very principle of global cooperation and accountability.
In a separate statement, Gerakan president Dominic Lau questioned the Transport Ministry’s continued silence over the ICAO’s findings, highlighting that Putrajaya had previously reiterated its commitment to seek truth, justice and accountability for the MH17 tragedy.
He added that Malaysia must stand alongside Australia and the Netherlands in demanding that Russia provide reparations and assume full responsibility for the incident.
“The prime minister himself said (Putin) emphasised the need for a thorough and in-depth investigation. Malaysia should convey to Russia that justice must be upheld, not postponed for political considerations,” he said.
MH17 departed from Amsterdam for Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, and was shot down over eastern Ukraine as fighting raged between pro-Russian separatists and Ukrainian forces.
All 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board were killed. - Mkini
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