Magnanimous Dutch PM flies MAS while Malaysian PM & wife cling to govt's private jet

DUTCH Prime Minister Mark Rutte is flying with Malaysia Airlines on his way to Australia, where he is expected to meet with relatives of the victims of the MH17 disaster.

THE flight Mr Rutte took to Malaysia - his stopover before heading to Australia - is MH19, which replaced the ill-fated MH17 call sign.

A total of 298 people were killed in the downing of MH17 by Russian-backed separatists over eastern Ukraine in July, including 196 Dutch nationals, 38 Australians and 43 Malaysians.

Dutch leader gives MAS a morale booster

The Dutch leader will meet with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak before heading to Australia to discuss the disaster investigation.

Mr Rutte has been publicly critical of Russia's response to the disaster aftermath, particularly the way in which separatists blocked access to the crash site.

Malaysia and Australia share the criticism, with Prime Minister Tony Abbott threatening to "shirt-front" Russian President Vladimir Putin over the issue when the pair meet later this month.

M'sian PM & wife have often been criticized for excessive use of the government's private jet, even for some personal trips

Mr Rutte will be in Australia for a series of events and meetings on Thursday and Friday. Dutch media have reported he will meet with the families of MH17 victims, some of whom have Dutch background.

Mr Abbott said in a statement Australia's already close partnership with the Netherlands had deepened over the two countries' mutual grief over the July 17 tragedy. The call sign MH17 was retired on July 20 out of respect for the victims. -theaustralian.com.au