Relatives of the passengers from the MH370 flight have denounced the Malaysian Government’s suggestion that it would soon issue death certificates for those on board, despite absence of proof that the plane crashed with no survivors.
The statement issued also called for a review of satellite data that Malaysia says indicates the plane probably crashed somewhere in the Indian Ocean.
“We, the families of MH370, believe that until they have conclusive proof that the plane crashed with no survivors, they have no right to attempt to settle this case with the issuance of death certificates and final pay-offs,” said the statement by the “United Families of MH370”.
During Sunday’s briefing, a Malaysian official said the Government would look into a timetable for issuing death certificates for the passengers on the flight, which are required for families to seek insurance payments, settle debts and address other issues.
Deputy Foreign Minister Hamzah Zainudin also asked relatives at the meeting to send in a proposal for government financial assistance for families as the MH370 search continues on.
However, relatives, who have repeatedly accused the Government and MAS of botching a response to the plane’s disappearance and withholding information, said Malaysian authorities were playing an agonising “cat and mouse game” over the fate of their loved ones.
“WE ARE IN UTTER OUTRAGE, DESPAIR AND SHOCK!” the statement said, using bold caps.
The Boeing 777 went missing on March 8 en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing with 239 people on board.
Malaysia says satellite data indicates the plane crashed in the remote Indian Ocean but no evidence has been found despite an intensive multi-nation sea search.
Some vocal relatives have repeatedly said they were unconvinced by Malaysia’s conclusions on the data, performed by British satellite communications firm Inmarsat.
“They have failed to share why they would accept a single source (Inmarsat) for analysis, utilising a never-before-attempted method, as their sole grounds for determining that the plane is under the water and all lives lost,” the families said.
The statement said they wanted an independent peer review, but it was rejected on grounds that Inmarsat’s data was under privacy protections.
In the Sunday meeting, “not a single one of our questions was answered”, it added.
A public opinion poll launched last week discovered that more than half of Malaysians believe their scandal-prone government, which has been in control of the country for 57 years, is hiding the full truth on flight MH370.
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