Dr Mahathir defends Malaysian authorities handling of missing flight – Bernama

Former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (pic) said today international media should not criticise Malaysia and its national carrier over their handling of the missing flight MH370.

"It is very easy to criticise but we are facing a situation that has never been experienced by any country in the world.

"If you say Malaysia failed (in handling the missing flight), that means the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and all those other countries (helping in the search and rescue) also fail, why don't you blame them also," he asked.

He said this to reporters after attending the "Program Siri Bicara Profesional bersama Tun Dr Mahathir" as a panel member at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) here.

On March 8, the Beijing bound flight with 227 passengers and 12 crew disappeared from the radar screen at 1.30 am, about one hour after leaving KL International Airport (KLIA).

The China's state-run media had lashed out at Malaysia and its national carrier over their handling of the missing passenger jet, calling for a swifter response effort and tightened airport security.

Meanwhile, Dr Mahathir said the search and rescue mission of the missing flight MH370 was being handled very well by the Malaysian authorities.

Dr Mahathir said he had visited the families of passengers on board the flight and their needs was well taken care of by the Malaysia Airlines as they had accommodated requests to care for up to five persons per family.

Meanwhile, he advised people not to come up with any theories concerning the search and rescue operation conducted to locate the aircraft as it did not help the situation.

"Wait for the facts and let us not have theories, it does not help anybody," he said.

On another note, Dr Mahathir dismissed reports saying he had resigned as Proton advisor.

Earlier at the function, Dr Mahathir also launched UiTM's alumni portal. – Bernama, March 12, 2014.