MELBOURNE, Australia: Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed openness to revisiting the search for flight MH370 if “compelling” evidence emerged, signaling the possibility of reigniting efforts to locate the missing aircraft a decade after its disappearance.
During a visit to Melbourne, Prime Minister Anwar stated, “If there is compelling evidence that it needs to be reopened, we will certainly be happy to reopen it,” addressing queries on the matter.
His remarks coincide with the solemn commemoration of the 10-year anniversary since MH370 vanished in the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean, carrying 239 passengers and crew members.
Reflecting on the enduring anguish experienced by the families of the victims, Prime Minister Anwar underscored the gravity of the situation, emphasizing that addressing their plight takes precedence over technicalities.
Malaysia Airlines flight 370, a Boeing 777 aircraft, vanished from radar screens on March 8, 2014, during its journey from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing, triggering a multinational search effort.
Despite extensive search operations, which constituted the largest in aviation history, the plane has remained elusive, and the search was suspended in January 2017.
Over the weekend, approximately 500 relatives and supporters gathered near Kuala Lumpur for a “remembrance day,” honoring the memories of their loved ones lost aboard MH370. Many attendees were visibly overwhelmed by grief, with emotions running high throughout the event.
Grace Nathan, whose mother was among the passengers on the ill-fated flight, described the past decade as an emotional rollercoaster, urging the Malaysian government to initiate a fresh search effort.
In response to the families’ pleas, Transport Minister Anthony Loke affirmed Malaysia’s commitment to locating the plane, emphasizing that cost considerations would not deter the government’s resolve.
Loke disclosed plans to meet with representatives from Ocean Infinity, a Texas-based marine exploration company that conducted a prior search operation, to explore the possibility of launching a renewed effort.
The previous search endeavors, including an extensive Australian-led mission, yielded minimal findings, with only scattered debris recovered from the vast expanses of the Indian Ocean.
As the search for answers continues, the Malaysian government remains steadfast in its determination to uncover the truth behind one of aviation’s greatest mysteries.
