KOTA BAHARU: The nationwide solidarity demonstrated in the observance of one-minute’s silence in respect of the victims of the Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flight MH17 crash was ‘astounding and extraordinary’.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the spirit proved that Malaysians remained united in their sorrow on the Day of National Mourning.
“I received hundreds of photographs which were recorded when we observed the one minute’s silence nationwide.
It is a manifestation on the awareness of Malaysians to show sympathy and support for the families of the victims.
“It is very successful and it is awe-inspiring and unprecedented,” he told reporters after opening the Kota Baharu Wanita Umno Divisional Delegates meeting here yesterday.
Also present was Kota Baharu Umno Division chief, Datuk Mohd Fatmi Che Salleh.
Ahmad Shabery also expressed his satisfaction at the local media reports on the situation yesterday which he regarded as comprehensive coverage.
“I am satisfied with the media reports and cooperation especially during the observation of the minute’s silence. It was a moment which required the cooperation of all and comprehensive involvement.
“In the end, it was carried out with great success with the cooperation of the media and all quarters,” he said.
In the meantime, he said he had directed the Communication and Multimedia Commission to give a reminder to two local radio stations which were deemed insensitive towards the situation on Friday.
He said the two stations would also be told to explain why they were not together with the
people and the government during the time of sorrow yesterday.
“The stations are regarded as being obstinate and aired songs which were inappropriate at that time. We only asked for one minute and they deemed the one minute cannot be given. So, we also want to know the reason why,” he said.
When asked to comment on certain irresponsible quarters which issued inaccurate news and questioned the one-minute silence, he said it did not reflect the majority. —Bernama