In a report appearing in UK’s Mirror, Sakinab Shah said it was “very convenient” to return to the theory since the wreckage could not be found, save for a flaperon washing-up on the beaches of France’s Reunion Island last July.
“When the search (for the plane) revealed nothing, they came back to this theory, but it’s only a theory,” said Sakinab, who is the eldest sister of Capt Zaharie, 53.
“If you have nothing tangible and nothing by way of evidence, it’s tantamount to predicting he is guilty until proven innocent. This sets us back in the Dark Ages.”
The “rogue pilot” theory surfaced soon after the tragedy as investigative teams from around the world desperately tried to piece together what happened on March 8, 2014 when the plane seemed like it had been deliberately steered off course.
However, there has not been a shred of evidence thus far that either Capt Zaharie or his co-pilot Fariq Abdul Hamid were responsible in any way.
Reacting to allegations that her brother was either a jihadist or suicidal over marriage problems, or possibly that he crashed the plane in a political protest, Shakinab said, “Please do not judge him based on theories …. don’t blame him unless there is evidence.”
“I want to say that (he’s) innocent until proven guilty. That is the mantra of modern civilisation,” she said, adding that the family’s memories of him was of a kind, generous and happy man.
She also said the “rogue pilot” theory was being revisited as a means to absolve Malaysia Airlines from potential claims or to protect the Malaysian government from possible cover-ups, as well as the US airline manufacturer Boeing from losing business.
MH370 was en route to Beijing from Kuala Lumpur with 239 passengers and crew on board when it disappeared from radar.
The Australian-led search in the area of the Indian Ocean where the plane likely went down is expected to be wrapped-up by mid this year, and will not be expanded unless fresh leads are found.