It is a sad moment in the lives of the families and friends and the victims aboard Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, and I pray that they have the strength to weather the tough times ahead.

Right now, we can only pray for the dead; whereas for the living, we should offer them our support and help.

If it is indeed proven that Flight MH17 was shot down, we must severely condemn those responsible and call for swift action to be taken against them for their disregard of human lives!

In these trying times, we should abandon our differences and unite together to seek justice for the innocent victims and their families by exerting international pressure on those guilty parties.

At this crucial moment, the eyes of the world are upon us, and we need to take steps to uphold justice for the victims.

Thus our government must act accordingly by condemning the recklessness and irresponsibility of the perpetrators!

However, it is also sad to note the actions of certain politicians who wish to use this tragedy to gain political benefits for their own selfish selves. Their actions are indeed truly another disaster for the nation!

Our nation has suffered a major blow, and while the people are still reeling from this disaster, leaders especially from DAP, have seen it fit to make controversial remarks!

As such, I strongly advise them to respect the families of the victims and to provide support to them, instead of trying to politicize the tragedy!

ONG CHONG SWEN is Wanita MCA vice-chairperson.