Don't politicise MAS restructuring plans, politicians told
On Monday the airline said it had issued termination letters to all of its roughly 20,000 employees, followed by new contracts offered to 14,000 of them as it aims to slim down.
UMNO Kedah Youth chief Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin had urged politicians not to politicise Malaysian Airlines (MAS) restructuring efforts.
Shaiful Hazizy said political interference will only interfere into the work plan charted to turn around the company.
“Give all the space needed to the new MAS CEO without too much of political interference,” he said when contacted by Astro AWANI.
“Mueller has a sterling record in turning around Aler lingus and Sabena Air before this. So, we should give him the opportunity to make decision,” he said referring to MAS new chief executive officer Christoph Mueller.
Shaiful Hazizy also suggested that focus is given to the 6,000 MAS former employees who were not offered to join the MAS new entity, MAS Newco.
He said all political parties must have its own specific plans to help the retrenched employees and suggested that a committee be set up to help them find jobs.
“UMNO Kedah Youth believe this issue must be viewed objectively and not political emotions,” he said.
“We must remember, MAS brand is the country’s pride. So, it must be saved so that such incidents do not occur again in future,” he said.
He said stressed that the MAS management must be open for any new development in the restructuring exercise.
Khazanah Nasional berhad took the reeling airline over late last year, later tapping Mueller to take the helm. He is the company's first non-Malaysian CEO.
On Monday the airline said it had issued termination letters to all of its roughly 20,000 employees, followed by new contracts offered to 14,000 of them as it aims to slim down.
Mueller said the 6,000 job losses were necessary as the company suffered from cost burdens 20 percent higher than those sustained by its rivals.
Employees exiting MAS by Aug, 31 2015 will receive a termination package based on a formula that is similar to those under existing Collective Agreements. The package includes medical benefits for one year and payment for unutilised leave.
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