TAWAU, June 26 – A change of transport minister is unlikely to adversely affect the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines aircraft MH370, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein who had been the acting transport minister up to now.MCA president Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai is the new transport minister, as announced yesterday by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
“The change of transport minister does not pose any problem, so long as there is continuity. The important thing is for us to continue with the search.
“I am confident the new transport minister, Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, is capable of discharging his duties well. Let’s not worry because the structure is already there. I wish to inform the families of the (MH370) crew and passengers that I remain committed to help in the search mission,” he said.
Hishammuddin spoke to reporters after a visit today to the Malaysian Armed Forces’ Joint Task Force 2 (ATB 2) headquarters here with commander of the United States’ Marine Corps Forces Pacific Lt Gen Terry Robling. They attended a briefing at the command.
Hishammuddin said all quarters, particularly the families of the MH370 crew and passengers should have confidence in the commitment given by the government that it would not relent in the search for the missing plane.
“The commitment also comes from other countries, including China and Australia. A ministerial committee has been set up and today a high-level delegation is leaving for Beijing to discuss the next phase of the search mission. The delegation went to Canberra last week for discussions with Australia,” he said.
Chinese nationals comprised the biggest number of the 227 passengers on board the missing plane. The search for the missing aircraft was conducted in the southern Indian Ocean out of Australia.
On the visit, Hishammuddin said Malaysia and the United States had agreed to share their knowledge and experience in tackling security issues, especially in Sabah.
He said this was important for Malaysia to gain as much information as possible which would help in the formulation of new policies and strategies concerning the Eastern Sabah Security Command, including in terms of training and intelligence.
Also present were Sabah Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Bakar Titingan and Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister Datuk Pang Yuk Ming.
– BERNAMA
