KUALA LUMPUR: Former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad said Monday he hoped that no parties would point fingers at each other over the crash of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH17 until the investigations are completed.
“I am disappointed that even before the completion of the probe, the United States and Europe have started to impose sanctions on Russia and use the tragedy for political purposes,” he said.
Dr Mahathir said this to reporters after attending the Aidilfitri reception for dignitaries at the Istana Negara hosted by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah.
He said the incident should not have happened to a commercial flight.
“The MH17 incident is a crime, whether planned or otherwise,” he said.
Dr Mahathir congratulated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak for negotiating with pro-Russian separatist leader Alexander Borodai to deal with the tragedy.
He said Najib’s efforts showed that Malaysia was ready to cooperate with all parties whatsoever.
On Gaza, Dr Mahathir said he hoped that the world community would be aware that Israel’s actions against the Palestinians were outrageous and inhumane.
Dr Mahathir, who is also president of the Perdana Global Peace Foundation, said the foundation had prepared various forms of assistance like finance and medicine to help the Palestinians.
It would also cooperate with MERCY Malaysia and Viva Palestina. — Bernama