New KL transport minister to take over plane's search

[KUALA LUMPUR] Malaysia's new Transport Minister Liow Tiong Lai will take over the search for Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 from Hishammuddin Hussein, who became a lightning rod for criticism of the government's handling of the probe.

Mr Hishammuddin, who was acting transport minister as well as serving as defence minister, became the face of the nation's efforts to find the Malaysia Airline System Bhd jet that disappeared in March with 239 people on board.

Mr Liow was sworn in on June 27 after a Cabinet change and replaced Mr Hishammuddin.