THE past few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster for all of us as we joined families of perished victims of MH17 to mourn their passing.
The flight was shot down on July 17 during Ramadan when most eyes were fixed on the Gaza conflict.
It came as a shock to me when the news broke out late at night on television as I was dining with my friends.
Our gleeful chatter suddenly turned silent because we were stunned with what was beamed on the television.
All of us couldn’t believe that another Malaysia Airlines plane was embroiled in another tragedy after MH370 went missing not too long ago.
On the Internet, videos of the wreckage plus some unpleasant footage of the bodies found at the scene were quickly uploaded on YouTube and other social networks.
I found it distasteful and irresponsible as the victim’s families were clearly still shocked by the news.
It was a heartache knowing that the perished victims’ bodies were in a war zone and the relief mission team that went to retrieve the bodies faced a hard time doing so.
Thanks to Prime Minister Najib Razak, the remains of 20 Malaysians on board the ill-fated flight were repatriated to their families last week.
Among those who were repatriated during the National Day of Mourning held on Aug 22 were Hasni Hardi Parlan, 32, a cargo engineer who was born in Kg Paya Luas, Segamat.
I had the chance to cover the
funeral and it was truly an emotional parting not only for the
family but everyone who attended the funeral.
Families and friends wept openly as their thoughts and prayers went out to Hasni.
Some were there to extend their condolences as well as to comfort the grieving family.
The sight of the pall bearers taking out Hasni’s casket from the helicopter when it landed at Padang B Sekolah Tinggi Segamat was an emotional moment.
It was simply heartbreaking.
Even though I was not related to Hasni, I had tears in my eyes.
During the burial ceremony, I caught a glimpse of Hasni’s ex-wife, Nabilah Yusra Mohamad Din, who was in tears while pouring scented water on Hasni grave.
Their three-month-old son, Ahmad Ammar, too young to understand what had happened, was quiet throughout the ceremony as family members held him.
What was more touching was the sacrifice made by Hasni’s aged parents who flew all the way to The Hague, The Netherlands, on a flight courtesy of MAS to retrieve their second child’s remains.
They had just wanted to be with their beloved son, although they knew in the hearts they will never get to hold him in their arms or see him again.
I hope each of the victim’s family can find closure and peace and I offer my condolences to the grieving families.
I also congratulate all Malaysians for being so understanding
and thoughtful during this trying time.
Let’s hope justice will prevail for those who had perished in the flight.
Lets take a moment of silence to remember them and our great loss. For Muslims, let’s recite Al-Fatihah for the dearly departed.