A minute of silence, a lifetime of mourning for MH17
A hush swept across Malaysia at exactly 10.55am today as the remains of 20 Malaysian victims of downed flight MH17 arrived at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport from Amsterdam.
The nation marks an official day of mourning today for 43 Malaysians killed in the July 17 incident.
Flight MH17 bound for Kuala Lumpur was shot down over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people aboard.
This is the second tragedy involving a MAS B-777 aircraft, after the mysterious disappearance of flight MH370 on March 8 when it was en-route to Beijing.
Malaysian Internet users also observed the solemn occasion today, with social media pages gone black and ribbons to mark a state of mourning.
Schools and public places also saw Malaysians from all walks of life observing the minute's silence. Corporate entities have also announced their participation in the nationwide mourning.
Malaysia Airlines said it was observing a company-wide mourning, with black ribbons distributed to its cabin crew and the airline's flag flying at half mast.
MAS said it has approved time-off from 10.00am to 2.00pm today, to allow its staff in Kuala Lumpur to pay their last respects to their colleagues and friends.
MAS will also hold a special prayer session in remembrance of the passengers, at the Tengku Kelana Jaya Petra mosque in Kelana Jaya, later today.
"Malaysia Airlines is deeply saddened by this devastating tragedy. It has been a long and painful wait for the families and friends of the passengers and crew onboard MH17," it said in a statement today.
In a short message, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak extended his condolences.
“Last month, 43 Malaysian lives were taken over Eastern Ukraine. Today we mourn the loss of our people. Today, we begin to bring them home.
“Our thoughts and our prayers are with the families and friends of those who lost their lives. Today we stand with you, united as one,” he said.
The United States, meanwhile, expressed its solidarity with Malaysians, with the words "MH17" displayed at the gates of the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur (pic, right).
"The people of the United States stand with the people of Malaysia at this time of national mourning. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those lost in MH17," the embassy said. – August 22, 2014.
