Commission to improve flow of data to families

Relatives of passengers aboard the missing flight MH 370 plan to set up a commission to facilitate their communication with Malaysia Airlines.

The commission will attempt to improve the flow of information from the airline to the families and help relatives pose questions when they arise. However, it will not represent the families in future negotiations with the airlines over compensation, several relatives said.

A lawyer, who is also a relative of a missing passenger, is planning to draft an authorization that would allow the commission to communicate with the airlines on behalf of families. The lawyer did not wish to be named.

The relatives didn't say when the commission will be founded.

Many relatives have asked questions that have already been answered during news briefings held by the airlines for the families, a male relative said.

He said the commission will consist of knowledgeable people such as lawyers and military fans, and they can solve problems and help get information.

Malaysia Airlines offered families of the missing passengers 31,000 yuan ($5,000) in financial assistance on Wednesday. The money is said not to be deducted from any forms of future compensation. It is unclear how many families have accepted the financial assistance.

Ignatius Ong Ming Choy, a representative of Malaysia Airlines, said specialists will be dispatched to each of the four hotels where the families are staying to ensure their needs are being met.

He also said the company will hold regular news briefings starting from Wednesday at 9 am, 2 pm and 6 pm.

In Malaysia, families of the missing passengers are also growing frustrated with the lack of information about the missing plane.

Selamat Omar, 60, the father of 28-year-old aviation engineer Mohd Khairul Amri Selamat, screamed at an official assisting the families for not providing any updates.

He approached a Malaysia Airlines staff member at a hotel and yelled "Aku bapa dia! (I am his father!)"

He was led away by volunteers but later re-emerged to speak with reporters.

"Usually, I would have received an update around this time, but when no one could give me a straight answer, I got a little carried away," he said.

The Star in Malaysia and Asia News Network contributed to this story.