Discuss MAS restructuring plan away from media glare - Musa Hitam

The proposed restructuring of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) must be conducted strictly in a business manner with the workers issue being settled amicably, former Deputy Prime Minister Tun Musa Hitam said.

"Do not take it public," he said, adding that from his experience it would be messy to deal with the issue related to workers, publicly.

Musa said the MAS Employees Union should be involved in the restructuring plan, but any negotiation should be held away from the media glare.

He also advised a dedicated team on the workers issue to be formed to handle discussions until the solutions are found.

"The team should come out with a fair and worthy proposals for the union to accept. I know its easier said than done, but if you pay them and have a separation agreement that's generous enough according to their services, this issue can be settled.

"Even if you pay what seem to be more, it is still worthwhile because in the end you will make profit," he told reporters after attending a briefing on the upcoming 10th World Islamic Economic Forum, here today.

Dubai will host the annual forum from Oct 28 to 30. It was previously held in Kuala Lumpur, Islamabad, Kuwait, Jakarta, Astana, Johor Baharu, and London.