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Najib orders full probe into Semenyih helicopter crash

Datuk Seri Najib Razak tonight ordered a full investigation into the helicopter crash that killed Rompin MP and former minister Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis and five others in Semenyih.

The prime minister said thorough investigations are needed to determine the cause of the accident.

“This is a tragedy for the loved ones of the six people whose lives are lost. My thoughts and prayers are with them all.

“I am personally grief-struck. Tan Sri Jamaluddin Jarjis was my friend of many years – and no truer friend I could have.

"Datuk Seri Azlin Alias was my chief of staff and a truly outstanding government servant.

The contributions of these two men to the government, to Umno and to Malaysia were very significant. Theirs was an example of national service that we should all emulate.

“I have ordered an immediate investigation into the cause of the tragedy. It is too early to say why this happened. But no stone will be left unturned.” he said at a press conference at the crash site in Semenyih, Selangor.

Najib said the tragedy comes as a great loss to him and his family because Jamaluddin had been close to him since their university days.

“He used to be my special adviser at the Prime Minister's Department. I consider him a very capable man who has contributed a lot to the government, party and nation.

He said Jamaluddin also played an important role in maintaining a strong relationship with the US.

"I am very saddened by what has happened."

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said a team has been formed to investigate the cause of the helicopter crash in Semenyih today.

He said the Department of Civil Aviation has initiated an investigation into the tragedy.

"On a personal note, I am struck by this tragic news, as Tan Sri Dr Jamaluddin and Datuk Seri Azlin were both colleagues of mine whom I knew personally.

"This is indeed a great loss and my thoughts and prayers are with their families and the families of the other victims during this tragic time." he said tonight.

Liow said that the newly formed team would retrieve all evidence at the scene to assist its investigation, reported Bernama.

"The team will inspect the scene of the incident, including to retrieve the cockpit recorder in the helicopter for further investigation," he said in a live-telecast interview with private television station, Astro Awani, tonight.

Liow said all the bodies of the six victims in the helicopter crash would be taken to the Hospital Kuala Lumpur for post-mortem. – April 4, 2015.

The Fire and Rescue Department will transfer the victims' remains to Hospital Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Kamal Ariffin, April 4, 2015.
The Fire and Rescue Department will transfer the victims' remains to Hospital Kuala Lumpur. – The Malaysian Insider pic by Kamal Ariffin, April 4, 2015.