KLUANG: The Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) will continue mobilising assets to search for eight missing sailors of the American warship USS John S. McCain, despite a temporary stand down of the US navy’s rescue operation.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said Malaysia's decision to resume the operation was to reciprocate the help and support extended by the US during search and rescue (SAR) operations for Malaysia Airlines flights MH370 and MH17 three years ago.
He said the RMN will continue with the SAR within Malaysian sea borders.
The US Navy on Thursday announced the suspension of its SAR operation for the sailors who remain missing after a collision between the US destroyer and a merchant vessel near Singapore earlier this week.
The multinational 80-hour search effort covered a 2,100-square-mile area east of the Straits of Melaka and Singapore.
Hishammuddin said RMN personnel have been deployed to comb over 1,000 square nautical miles of search area, which includes the Teluk Ramunia region.
"(Malaysia’s continuation of the SAR) shows that our relationship with other countries goes beyond political ideology, and we will not abandon those who had helped us most in our time of need," Hishammuddin said during the opening session of the Sembrong Umno Division meeting at the Sembrong community hall today.
He added that the massive SAR operation for the still-missing flight MH370 involved 26 countries.
Hishammuddin said that the collision in the Straits of Melaka is a grim reminder for nations that despite technological advancement in military assets, equipment still requires proper handling by trained and experienced personnel.
"This incident should be taken as a lesson for the RMN. Even with advanced technology at our disposal, it becomes of no use if our personnel are poorly-trained because such things will pose a safety risk.
"The destroyer was equipped with advanced technology, but the collision occurred anyway," he said.
On another matter, Hishammuddin, who is Umno vice-president, reminded party members not to be divided by false news or information spread by those intent on seeing the party crumble – something he anticipates will peak during the coming general election.
"There will be rumour mongers spreading malicious information and false news aimed at tearing the party apart.
"We must not be easily intimidated by them. (We must) rebuke them and reveal the truth to the people," he said.
Also present were Negri Sembilan Umno liaison committee chief Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who opened the meeting.
Mohamad urged members to get out of their comfort zones, as they must realise that the party's survival rests heavily on their shoulders.
"In the present situation, Malays have plenty of options (to choose from, which could) cause a vote swing in the election, or (for people to) jump parties. We must tackle these matters wisely, before they affect our very existence," he said, adding that Umno should attract more new members to its fold.