KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will participate in the joint legal action against Russia by the governments of Australia and the Netherlands over the downing of MH17, says Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

       He said the country would participate in the deliberation under Article 84 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (ICAO) in accordance with the Chicago Convention.

       “The government of Malaysia reiterates its commitment to a judicial process that is conducted transparently under international laws against parties responsible for the horrific July 17, 2014, tragedy.

       “We are committed to seeking justice for the families of the victims including the 43 Malaysian nationals on board the aircraft,” he said in a Facebook post yesterday.

       On Tuesday, it was reported that Australia and the Netherlands said they had begun joint legal action against Russia at the ICAO over the attack on MH17.

       There were 38 Australians and 196 Dutch passengers aboard the flight.

       Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Foreign Minister Marise Payne said in a statement that Russia was responsible under international law for the downing of the flight, and action in the United Nations’ aviation council was a step forward in the fight for justice for the victims.

       Dr Wee said Malaysia was equally committed to ensuring the process is transparent, credible, conclusive and based on evidence.

       A thorough and exhaustive process of law must be pursued in bringing the perpetrators of this inhumane crime to justice in order to honour the victims and their next-of-kin, he added.

       Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down in the Donetsk region, Ukraine, eight years ago.

       A total of 283 passengers and 15 crew were killed.

       The Boeing 777 is believed to have been hit by a surface-to-air missile supplied to pro-Russian rebels in eastern Ukraine.

       Yesterday, Dr Wee also addressed the 45th Annual Conference on Oceans Law & Policy: Unclos at 40 that was held virtually.

       He said over 50% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product was generated through maritime foreign trade and the fishing industry.

       Malaysia is committed to keep its maritime zones safe and secure for international transport, trade, and other ocean-related issues, he said in his speech delivered by ministry secretary-general Datuk Isham Ishak.