Widow of MH17 co-pilot performs husband's final task in Netherlands

Sharifah Asmaa Binti Alwee Aljuned, wife of MH17 first officer Ahmed Hakimi, performs her husband's final task at the MH17 memorial service in Nieuwegein on July 17. - Screencapture Photo

KUALA LUMPUR: Sharifah Asmaa Binti Alwee Aljuned, wife of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17's co-pilot, Ahmed Hakimi Hanapi, performs her husband's final task at the memorial service in Nieuwegein, Netherlands on Friday.

Ahmed Hakimi was among the 298 people killed in the passenger jet which was flying en from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur.

On behalf of the MH17 crew members, a teary-eyed Sharifah Asmaa who gave a heartwrenching speech said, “looking at all of you, I can’t even begin to imagine the sufferings and sorrows that each of us carries.

“Do we share similar experiences in losing the loved ones? Our journey and grief can never be equated."

“Thus, I pray for all of us to have infinite strength in dealing with our sorrows yet still holding on to the hope and memories that never will be lost,” she added. 

There was pin drop silence in the hall as Sharifah Asmaa, 29, ends her speech by carrying out her husband's final task which was the cabin crew salutation that he never had the opportunity to execute. The passenger jet was shot down in eastern Ukraine moments after it took off from Schiphol International Airport in Amsterdam on that fateful day.

“Before I end my speech, I am compelled to carry out the final task of my husband that he never gets to fulfill.”

“Assalamualaikum and a very good evening ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, I am your first officer, my name is Ahmed Hakimi on behalf of Captain Wan Amran, and assisted by Captain Eugene and first officer Firdaus, we would like to welcome you on board once again Malaysia Airlines, Boeing 777, on flight MH17.

“Weather and route is fine all the way and we will begin our descent shortly. On behalf of Malaysia Airlines and rest of the crews, once again we would like to thank you for flying with us.”

That heartfelt speech received a standing ovation from the audiences, largely made up of the victims' next-of-kin who came from all over the world.

This meeting was organsed by the victims' families with the support of Stichting Vliegramp MH17 at the NBC Congress Center.

Ahmed Hakimi was survived by his wife and 15-month-old son, Abderrahman.

- Source: Astro Awani