patriotism

In less than a year another tragedy strikes MAS, our national flagship airlines yet again. Human lives are lost again and the pain and sorrow is being felt again in every corners of the world. Question has been asked, how will MAS survive this ordeal and continue to remain relevant in the industry.

A minister has plea that all Malaysians should stand side by side with MAS in its hour of darkness. This is definitely a valid plea because as Malaysians we must never abandon our national airlines leaving it free falling into the abyss. This is patriotism and must be cultivated in every Malaysians regardless of race, religion and social status. The next golden question will be; how do we as Malaysians able to help?

Analysis has been done countless of times on MAS and its issues of profitability way before the 2 colossal incidents that befalls it. Based on the analysis, the current business model of MAS bleeds more expenses than its ability to generate revenue. It has been running on losses continuously even though being bailout by the government numerous times. It was always presumed that there are 2 main reasons for the continued failure. One of them is the resistance of the MAS union members to a total organization revamp that can affect benefits cuts and even job cuts. The other reason is lopsided service contracts with external vendors that are charging atrocious fees that chalk up huge expenses.

Now coming back to the minister’s plea, a very curious logic has come to mind, aren’t the MAS union members and those external vendors Malaysians? Aren’t they obliged to become patriotic and save MAS from its hour of darkness? The general Malaysians have done their part from the government bailouts which are taxpayers’ money. Isn’t it time these MAS union members and external vendors do their part as Malaysians?

There are successful case studies that we can learn from for instance Japan Airlines turnaround from bankruptcy into a much leaner-managed airline. Therefore there is still hope for MAS to do a similar turnaround but the catch is Malaysians and this means all Malaysians must stand steadfast by its side.

A quote from John F. Kennedy succinctly sums it up,” Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” God bless Malaysia and its people.