KUALA LUMPUR: More than 500 people of various races and religions gathered at the Malaysia Airlines Academy to offer special prayers in memory of the 298 passengers and crew on board flight MH17.
The multi-faith prayers, organised by MAS , was attended by families, relatives and friends of those who were aboard the ill-fated jetliner.
Representatives from Muslim associations and the Malaysian Consultative Council of Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Sikhism and Taoism (MCCBCHST) conducted prayers to share the thoughts and grief of those affected and bring some closure to their loved ones.
Several non-governmental organisations including Mercy Malaysia, ‘Make A Wish' Malaysia and other international bodies also joined in the prayers.
MAS Director of Human Resources Zaharah Zaid said the airline would continue to help ease the pain and grief of those who lost their loved ones.
"We will continue to be there for those affected in this tragedy. Today, we unite in solidarity to pay respect to those who perished and their grieving families and friends," she said.
Among those present were Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, MAS Group Chief Executive Officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahaya, Deputy Education Minister II P. Kamalanathan, and the Chief Buddhist High Priest of Malaysia, Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana.
Flight MH17, which was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, was believed to have been shot down over rebel-held territory in Donetsk, eastern Ukraine on July 17.