During a meeting with PM Najib Tun Razak in Putrajaya today, the Netherlands prime minister Mark Rutte was all praised for Malaysia Airlines 'good service and professionalism' despite two unprecedented incidents that downed its image.
Flying into KL via Flight MH19, Rutte said:
“This (flight) gives a special meaning to the fact that MH17 was scheduled to arrive at the same time almost three months ago.
“It brings memories to take this flight,” he said at a joint news conference with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak at the Perdana Putra Complex, here.
The call sign of MH17 was retired on July 20 out of respect for the crash victims. Commending the Malaysia Airlines services he received during the flight, Rutte also described MAS as an expert airline with fantastic staff on board and the best connection between Europe and Malaysia.
“That was very good service.”
His Australian counterpart Tony Abbott, in commenting Rutte's good gesture, said:
"There was a nice symbolism about Mr Rutte's decision to fly with Malaysian Airlines given that Malaysia Airlines has a very good record and the two incidents involving Malaysia Airlines this year certainly shouldn't be taken as a reflection on the professionalism or the safety of that particular airline".
I think Najib and guests at the function were flattered and touched by Rutte's statement.
It did not only symbolises the strong bonding both governments have but reflects a 'diplomatic sincerity' between Malaysia, the Netherlands and Australia in putting down efforts for MH17 and MH370.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said it was the commitment that both governments had agreed on, and now it was time to ensure it was achieved.
"We can count on Mark Rutte for his friendship and cooperation. We look forward to working together and find out what really happened to the plane beyond any doubt, and more importantly who were responsible for the incident."
Najib said this in his remarks at a special session with the Malaysian team involved in the MH17 recovery operation, here, today.
Also present was Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who is on an official visit to Malaysia.
Najib also expressed his thanks to Rutte and the Dutch government for their support and leadership role in ensuring the MH17's victims were brought back to their families.
The prime minister noted that there was a silver lining behind the tragedy where the nations of the affected countries became even closer together.
Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 crashed in eastern Ukraine on July 17 as it was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur with 283 passengers and 15 crew members on board.
The Boeing 777-200 aircraft is believed to have been shot down over the troubled country. There were 193 Dutch nationals and 44 Malaysians among the people on board, and the remains of all the Malaysian victims have been identified.
Thank you, Mr Rutter... thank you Mr Abbot!
