The Malaysia Airlines (MAS) Flight MH17 crash in Ukraine last Thursday has united the people, notes Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

While describing the incident as a painful episode, he said it should, nevertheless, serve as a lesson for the people on the importance of galvanising the spirit of cooperation and unity in facing such a disaster.

"Thank God, the spirit of unity and awareness among Malaysians in this incident is very clear to all," he said when speaking during a breaking of fast with the local community at the Surau As-Saadiah here Wednesday.

He said this was evident from the Special Parliamentary Session held today, which included the opposition, unanimously condemning the MAS MH17 crash which involved the loss of lives of 296 passengers and crew members.

Muhyiddin said at the special session, the government and the opposition were united in expressing sadness over the tragedy.

He also repeated the government stand to continue seeking justice to find the cause behind the crash of the Boeing 777-200 aircraft.

"We, as a responsible government, will continue to take steps to seek justice for those who perished (in the crash).

"We want to determine who the cause of the tragedy is," said Muhyiddin, noting that the MAS MH17 tragedy resulted in the arrival of the Syawal this time around, to be celebrated in gloom by Malaysians.

Earlier, he presented contributions from UDA Holdings to 30 recipients.

Also present at the event were his wife, Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman, Jorak State Assemblyman Dr Syahruddin Md Salleh and UDA Holdings managing director Ahmad Abu Bakar.