MH17 crash: Emergency Parliament sitting to be convened, flags to fly at half-mast

An emergency Parliament sitting will be convened to discuss issues regarding the "inhumane act" which brought down Malaysia Airlines flight MH17.

In a special address that was televised live on Friday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak also said that the Government has called for all flags to be flown at half-mast until Mon, July 21, and the

Najib also said that despite speculation that the Boeing 777 was shot down by militants, the Malaysian Government would not be "pointing fingers" at any party until there is substantial evidence to prove it.

"However, we condemn the inhumane and uncivilised action which has taken the lives of 298 innocents," said Najib.

He also called on all Muslims, irrespective of political inclination, to come together and pray for the well-being and continued peace of the nation in the holy month of Ramadan.

He also encouraged Malaysians of other faiths to conduct their own prayers as well.

Najib said the crash site was under the control of Ukrainian separatists, but the Government was doing its utmost - including using diplomatic channels - so investigators can have unhindered access to the area to carry out their work.

In presenting the demands of the Malaysian Government, Najib firstly called upon the parties involved to ensure and guarantee the safety of investigators as they carried out their tasks.

"Secondly, the Malaysian Government urges parties involved not to tamper or contaminate evidence at the scene of the crash so investigations will be effective and transparent.

"Lastly, if it is indeed proven that the plane was shot down, the Malaysia will demand for the perpetrators to be brought to justice," he said.

The Prime Minister, in closing his speech, conveyed his condolences to the family and friends of all those on board MH17 and asked for everyone to remain patient until investigations are complete.

In a statement later, Speaker Tan Sri Pandikar Amin Mulia said Parliament will convene next Wednesday, July 23, in line with Standing Order Rule 11(3).