KUALA LUMPUR – Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Russia this week has drawn renewed calls for justice over the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17, coinciding with a key international decision attributing responsibility for the tragedy to Moscow.
Pasir Mas MP Ahmad Fadhli Shaari on Tuesday urged Anwar to raise Malaysia’s concerns directly with the Russian government during his three-day visit, which begins today and includes stops in Moscow and Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan.
“I call on Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to officially convey Malaysia’s demand for Russia to commit to a fair compensation process for the families of MH17 victims,” the PAS politician said in a Facebook post.
“Malaysia must also support efforts to uphold justice through international bodies such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), without political interference.”
On the same day, the ICAO Council determined that Russia bore responsibility for the 2014 missile strike that brought down flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board — including 43 Malaysians. The ruling marks a significant step in the long-standing international effort to seek accountability for the attack.
Fadhli stressed that Anwar’s trip should go beyond economic diplomacy, arguing that it presents a unique opportunity to defend the rights of Malaysians lost in the incident.
“The visit must not be seen merely as an economic platform but as a dignified mission to pursue justice for our innocent citizens who perished in a tragedy that shook the world,” he said.
Drawing comparisons with Anwar’s vocal stance on other global issues, he continued, “If the Prime Minister can speak firmly on matters like Palestine and Gaza, then justice for the 43 Malaysian victims of MH17 must not be sidelined.”
The Perikatan Nasional lawmaker cautioned against adopting a one-sided diplomatic approach, insisting that Malaysia should practice principled diplomacy by stating uncomfortable truths — even before global powers.
“Justice for MH17 is a national trust. Do not let it fade away for the sake of a photo opportunity with Kremlin leaders,” he added.
The official visit — from May 13 to 16 — will include meetings in Moscow and a keynote address at the 16th International Economic Forum “Russia-Islamic World: KazanForum” in Kazan. The timing of the trip has sparked sensitivities, given the ICAO’s landmark ruling came just as the Prime Minister departed for Russia.
Ahmad Fadhli noted that the visit unfolds amid heightened emotions among Malaysians, especially the bereaved families still awaiting closure.
“The governments of the Netherlands and Australia have indicated that discussions on compensation will follow soon under the ICAO framework,” he said.
He emphasised that Anwar carries a moral and political duty to act decisively during the visit, especially as the ICAO’s decision reinforces global expectations for accountability.
“The wounds of MH17 are far from healed. A diplomatic trip must not ignore this painful chapter that continues to affect the victims’ families and the country’s dignity,” he said.
Separately, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed Anwar’s itinerary includes engagements with Russian business leaders, a lecture at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, and a meeting with the Malaysian diaspora.
In Kazan, Anwar will also address the Strategic Vision Group and meet the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov. Following the trip, the Prime Minister is scheduled to attend the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2025) from May 20 to 24.