Why are MH370 families accusing Malaysia of withholding data?

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MH370 Families Allege Withholding of Crucial Satellite Data by Malaysian Authorities

Families of passengers aboard the missing flight MH370 have accused Malaysian authorities of withholding critical satellite data, asserting that a recently released report is incomplete and fails to definitively prove the aircraft crashed in the Indian Ocean. The authorities had previously released a 47-page summary of communication logs from the Malaysia Airlines plane, which were recorded by the British satellite operator Inmarsat. This information had been sought by both relatives and independent experts who believe it is essential for understanding the flight's final moments.
Incomplete Data and Missing Metadata Cited

A key point of contention is the perceived incompleteness of the released data. Michael Exner, a satellite engineer based in the United States, stated that Malaysia has not provided crucial supporting details alongside the Inmarsat logs. He specifically highlighted the absence of a significant amount of metadata, which he believes is necessary for a comprehensive analysis. Exner expressed his view that Malaysian authorities are not being transparent and are withholding information, suggesting that it may not be possible to draw firm conclusions without this missing data.
Demands for Full Transparency and Independent Review

Relatives and their representatives are demanding the release of all information pertaining to how the theory of the plane's final location was formulated. Steve Wang, a spokesperson for a support group representing the families of Chinese passengers, accused authorities of deliberately holding back data. He stressed the need for a complete report that includes all information used to determine the plane's position, enabling independent experts to offer their opinions. Given the prolonged lack of findings, there is significant doubt among relatives regarding the accuracy of the calculated flight path.
Allegations of Data Manipulation and Lack of Original Raw Information

Concerns have also been raised that the released data may have been manipulated. Sarah Bajc, the girlfriend of American passenger Philip Wood, articulated that authorities chose to "manage" the information they disclosed rather than providing the original raw data. She described the report as "anti-climatic" and found the delay in releasing what she believes to be manipulated data to be "ridiculous," especially considering the request for this information was made over two months prior. The absence of the aircraft's transponder and ACARS at the time of its disappearance necessitated the reconstruction of its path using satellite signals, radar data, and performance calculations, a method that has attracted scrutiny.

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Why are MH370 families accusing Malaysia of withholding data?

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