Family members of a Malaysia Airlines (MAS) steward, who is being held by French police since August for a sexual assault case involving a female passenger, have requested to have the 57-year-old cabin crew sent back to Malaysia for investigations.
"If there needs to be an investigation, why can't he be investigated in Malaysia as stipulated under the Tokyo Convention 1963?" the steward's son-in-law Mohamad Faiq Ilhan said during a press conference at a hotel here on Saturday.
The 24-year-old, who spoke on behalf of the steward's three daughters, said the family's lawyer and the National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia (Nufam) had written a letter to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak and the Foreign Ministry on the matter.
"We miss our father very much and don't know what else we can do.
"We can only hope that willing parties will come forward to help bring our father home," Mohamad Faiq read a statement from the steward's daughters.
The family also expressed disappointment at MAS for sacking the steward, who had served the national carrier for 32 years, especially as he has yet to be charged and tried for the alleged crime.
The notification of termination was sent via a letter to the family's home in the Klang Valley on Aug 22, some two weeks after the incident reportedly took place.
The family had filed a petition to MAS to reconsider the termination but the airline has yet to respond.
"The letter stated that my father had 60 days to appeal against the termination knowing very well that he was under detention in Paris and was not in Malaysia.
"MAS has not rendered us any assistance to help our father. MAS left us in a predicament and this is very disappointing and saddening for the family," Mohamad Faiq added.
One of the steward's daughters, Syaza, recounted a meeting with her father as he was being held at a detention centre in Paris, in early October.
"We were so sad. During that one week, we managed to see him three times.
"He lost so much weight and is under a lot of pain and duress. My father has developed dietary problems, he is stressed and has high blood pressure.
"The saddest part was, on the final day, we were unable to promise him when he can come home," the 24-year-old said while holding back tears.
Mohamad Faiq and Syaza holding up messages pleading to the powers that be to bring home their father. - Photo: Syafique Shuib
Meanwhile, Nufam president Ismail Nasaruddin voiced his disappointment over the steward's sacking.
"Why did they terminate his employment so early? He has yet to be charged. MAS was supposed to help the family seek legal counsel.
"The welfare of employees must be given utmost important," he said at the press conference.
The family, Ismail said, is considering taking legal action against MAS.
"Our priority now is to bring the steward home," he added.
In August, an Australian woman, Laura Bushney claimed that the steward had sexually assaulted her during the MH20 flight from Kuala Lumpur to Paris.
The steward was detained by police when the plane touched down at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport on Aug 4.
"Malaysia Airlines expects and accepts nothing short of the highest standards of conduct from its crew and takes any such allegations very seriously.
"We will naturally assist the French authorities as they conduct their investigation and would stress that the safety, comfort and well-being of our passengers is always our highest priority," MAS had said in a media statement on Aug 14.
Ten days later, Bushney went on a TV show in a tell-all interview to recount the alleged attack.
She claimed that the steward placed his hands under the blanket and then down her pants, under the guise of 'comforting' her as she was afraid of flying.
"He's massaging my legs; I'm so scared I just want to get off this plane," she said during the interview with Channel Seven's talk show, Sunday Night.
Bushney, who was travelling by herself, said she recorded the incident on her iPhone hidden under a blanket on her lap.
"I just keep saying why didn't I scream, why didn't I shout? Why didn't I stop it? I am a strong person because I can do that, I know I can," said Bushney, who claimed she froze in panic to do anything, as quoted in a Sydney Morning Herald report..
Netizens had criticised Bushney and questioned the authenticity of the alleged incident following her TV interview.
Syafique Shuib
Sat Nov 15 2014
...
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.