Don't get dragged into geopolitical games: Anwar’s aide on MH17

Summary

• Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s aide cautions against politicising the ICAO’s finding that Russia is responsible for downing MH17, calling such moves opportunistic.

• The remark came ahead of Anwar’s official visit to Russia, and calls from PAS for him to demand justice over the 2014 tragedy.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s aide Kamil Abdul Munim has urged against “exploiting” the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) finding that Russia is responsible for shooting down the Malaysian Airlines flight MH17 in 2014.

He noted that statements from the Dutch and Australian governments on the matter last night came just ahead of Anwar’s official visit to Russia today, which had been planned for months.

“Therefore, what matters is that the report should not be exploited or hijacked by parties who are shallow in their understanding of the issue.

“Let us not be easily dragged into the games of major powers by helping to direct the enemy’s bullets towards us. Politicising the MH17 tragedy is the lowest level of opportunism in pursuit of cheap political gain,” he said in his post on the micro-blogging site X today.

Kamil, who is Anwar’s political secretary in the latter’s capacity as finance minister, also reaffirmed that Malaysia will continue to seek justice for the victims of the downing of MH17.

“Malaysia’s record on the international stage and in diplomatic arenas remains commendable, wise, and firm, as demonstrated through the prime minister’s various official visits and engagements. Malaysia does not intend to shift from this position.

“And God willing, this official visit to Russia will bear fruit, sustain momentum, and bring benefits to the nation and the people, thus positioning Malaysia as a firm, dignified, and respected country,” he added.

Kamil was responding to PAS information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari’s call on Anwar to demand justice from Russia over MH17.

Anwar is currently on an official visit to Russia from today until May 16, where he is scheduled to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow and attend the “Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum” in Kazan.

Shot down above eastern Ukraine

Earlier today, however, Reuters reported that the Australian and Dutch governments have each issued separate statements that the ICAO council has ruled that Russia is responsible for shooting down MH17 and will consider appropriate reparations in the coming weeks.

The aircraft was shot down while en route from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur on July 17, 2014, while travelling through eastern Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces were fighting Russian-backed separatists.

All 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board were killed.

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”.

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