Follow through on MAS revival plan, urge MPs

KUALA LUMPUR: Two Members of Parliament ( MPs) have called for Malaysia Airlines’ ( MAS) revival plan to be followed through, saying it would ensure the national icon returns to its former glory.

Anuar Manap, the Sekijang MP, said: “Any obstacle would not only delay the plan but could also result in MAS’ closure and 20,000 employees losing their jobs.

“Khazanah has devised quite a good strategy starting with the funding to take over MAS, then appointing a new chief executive officer (CEO) who we know has extensive experience in the aviation industry. Such matters should not be made an excuse to block efforts to restructure MAS.”

In a recent report, Khazanah Nasinal Bhd, the government investment arm and MAS’ largest shareholder, said the 12-point recovery plan that had been implemented for six months had shown good progress and was well on track.

Following MAS’ restructuring, Khazanah set up a Corporate Development Centre to support the placement of some 6,000 MAS employees who will be laid off.

However, several MAS worker unions have protested against the retrenchment of the 6,000 MAS staff, warning they would picket. The unions have also obtained support from other worker unions, including foreign ones.

“Before, no one came forward to help MAS face financial problems and bankruptcy. At the time, Khazanah agreed to disburse RM6 billion for a 12point plan to return MAS to profitability. The fund disbursed by Khazanah is to bring MAS out of the mess.

“And in carrying out this restructuring, although only 14,000 staff will be absorbed by MAS NewCo (the new company), we should remember that the fate of the 6,000 staff not with the new company would still be secure. — Bernama