Learn how to ‘read’ and not just ‘count’.

Well said, Doc.
These barbarians must now learn how to ‘read’ and not just ‘count’.


“What we do today will have an impact on the future generations. Let not future generations urinate on our graves.”

The Corporate Objectives of MAS as laid down by the founding fathers were as follows:

1. To provide the people of Malaysia with an efficient and profitable air transport system which enhances the standing of the Nation and policies of its Government.

2. To develop an efficient domestic service within Malaysia which also directly links Sabah and Sarawak with Peninsular Malaysia and contributes to the economic and social integration of the country a a whole.

3. To select, train and develop personnel using the most up-to-date and appropriate managerial techniques.

4. To provide simultaneously competitive and profitable international services which support Malaysia’s trade, tourism and other activities.

5. To contribute meaningfully to national aspirations and foster an organisation which is in harmony with the multi-racial objectives of Malaysia.

I sometime wonder whether these Corporate Objectives are in the minds of the people in MAS today.

The Pioneers of MAS embraced these Corporate Objectives with passion and commitment and treating them like a marathon with no end in sight. Implied in the Corporate Objectives, MAS belongs to the people of Malaysia and shall be managed by the people of Malaysia. Only Malaysians knows the national aspirations. So as not to deviate away from these Corporate Objectives, good corporate governance was put in place and strictly adhered to.

Measured against these Corporate Objectives, it is obvious that MAS has lost its direction. Since 1994, MAS has not only changed in Form but also in Character.

Voyage report is a must for every flight….events that are out of the ordinary are reported in the voyage report. Upgrading from economy class to higher classes after cabin doors are closed are reported in the voyage report and it is highly improbable that the Flight Crew of the flight would fabricate such report. Upgrading of passengers from lower class to higher class prior to a flight (pre-arranged) will not be reported in the voyage report.

In so far as the transfer of AA passengers to MAS is concerned, I wonder what fare was charged when such passengers are uplifted. If there is no bilateral Agreement between two airlines, normal full published fare should be charged and if there is bilateral Agreement the mutually agreed fare (which may be lower than the published fare) will be charged. Other conditions in such bilateral Agreement may include the period of travel as determined by the receiving carrier. What about other terms and conditions of carriage? For example baggage allowance, meals on board (as it would not be appropriate for MAS Cabin Crew to serve inflight meals/refreshments to MAS genuine passengers and not the AA transferred passengers or charge them for inflight meals/refreshments).

For what it is worth, my personal view is that in order for MAS to move forward is to REGROUP, adhere to good corporate governance, effectively manage cost, abhor acts of indiscipline, ahbor wastage, remain focused on National Aspirations and strongly supported by the relevant Government Agencies (like MOT, DCA, MAHB, CIQ), Hoteliers, Tours Operators and Ground Transporters etc…..National Interest above personal interest.

What we do today will have an impact on the future generations. Let not future generations urinate on our graves.

Dr. Mohamadon Abdullah

March 29, 2012 at 2:50 pm