It's not a gimmick - Cuepacs

The Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) said the boycott action on AirAsia was not a politic gimmick.

"No, I'm not a politician. I look after the welfare of civil servant to ensure our members are well represented," said its president Datuk Omar Osman when contacted by Astro Awani.

In a report by Utusan Malaysia, Omar had urged government servant nationwide to boycott AirAsia or make the airline as the last choice for travelers. He said the congress was serious about looking into the issue.

"I'm at airport right now and will fly using Firefly and I flew via Malaysia Airlines (MAS) yesterday.

"We always hear complaints about AirAsia. If we miss our flight, we cannot get a refund," Omar said.

The congress president suggested civil servants should fly using other airlines.

"There are 1.4 million government servants and 700 thousand pensioners, who should consider this call seriously. I believe it can have an effect to the low cost carrier," Omar urged.

Omar added that Cuepacs currently is in discussion with MAS, Firefly and Malindo Air on special fares for government servants.

Meanwhile, Astro Awani spoke to several government servants, who were not confident with the call by Cuepacs president.

Zainudin Abu Bakar, 54, said that civil servants could not afford other airlines besides AirAsia due to high charges.

"Before AirAsia, I have not heard of any government servant, who can afford to go abroad with their families but with AirAsia, they are able to do so.

"Now everyone can fly is not just a tagline, we can even fly to Medan and Bandung for a short trip," said Zainudin who is working for Human Resource Department at Pudu Sentral, Kuala Lumpur.

Ahmad Saifullah, 29, said people have a right to choose a reliable airline.

"It's our right to choose our preferred airline whether it is MAS or AirAsia or even Malindo.

"Past boycott efforts have not succeeded, so this seems like a statement to get media publicity.

"AirAsia fares are not too low, but the long term promotion, give customers an opportunity to choose the best offer”, said Saifullah who is currently working at Kuala Lumpur City Hall.

Saifullah also welcomed MAS to offer lower fares for government servants to enjoy their services.

Meanwhile when contacted, the Head of Communication of AirAsia Aziz Laikar refused to comment on the issue.