Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says he would be happy to re-open the investigation into the disappearance of flight MH370 if compelling new evidence emerges,while stopping short of backing an immediate resumption of the probe.
Ahead of the 10-year anniversary of the flight’s disappearance this Friday,Malaysian Transport Minister Anthony Loke said at a remembrance service over the weekend:“As far as the Malaysian government is concerned,we are committed to justice and the search must go on.”
This would be the first major search for MH370 since American company Ocean Infinity tried – and failed – to find the Malaysia Airlines plane in 2018.
Loke added that cost would not be an issue for the Malaysian government,buoying the hopes of relatives of the 239 people who were on board the flight.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ASEAN-Australia special summit in Melbourne,Ibrahim said that the flight’s disappearance had affected so many lives that anything that “could be done must be done”.
“If there is compelling evidence that it needs to be reopened,we will certainly be happy to reopen it,” he told reporters.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said world leaders “deeply regret the aircraft has been unable to be located” despite past searches of the area.
“It will be a very difficult time for people because they are not given the certainty that would come with a successful search mission,” he said.
“It is a difficult time for our friends in Malaysia. We certainly acknowledge that.”
Following a meeting at Government House in Melbourne,Albanese and Ibrahim announced new deals to boost bilateral co-operation on issues including cybersecurity and nuclear non-proliferation.
“Malaysia is one of Australia’s oldest and most important friends in the region,” Albanese said.
“Australia stands ready to play a bigger role in Malaysia’s pursuit of economic opportunity,investment,development and growth.”