MAS: Dream turned into a nightmare

I went to Malaysia Airlines Training Centre in Kelana Jaya for a function one day and placed next to the information counter was this commemorative plaque.

It says" Presented to Tun Dr. Ismail (Acting Prime Minister) in conjunction with official launch of Syarikat Penerbangan Kebangsaan (National Airline Company): Dated September 1972"

It was a year before I was born. And I can only imagine the joy, jubilation, pride and ambitions of the nation when this beautiful national icon was unveiled. My mom used to tell me, we had so little back then, so everything was grand. Everything was a about chasing a dream. Yes, I can agree that back in September 1972, this MAS with its kite logo was a dream of a nation.

I wished someone who had witnessed and experienced the euphoria could remind us all, especially those who are now ENTRUSTED to manage and run this treasure, from the Chairman, to the CEO, to the cabin crew and its pilots as well as the cleaning lady, look at this plaque and ask themselves, how

First, how did this dream turned into a nightmare? Why now, 38 years later, we hear news like this :

MAS taking longer than expected to unveil turnaround plan

PETALING JAYA: Investors and analysts are basically growing tired, having waited for nearly three months now for the new team at Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to announce some definitive execution plans to turn the ailing airline around.

In a report, Maybank Investment Bank said: “The first impression we get is that the new management is busy learning the ropes and dealing with internal matters first before unveiling their grand plan.''

The house expects MAS to report a net loss of RM242mil for the third quarter. It said the fourth quarter, which is traditionally a good period for airlines, would be equally challenging for the national carrier. “It has been more than three months since the announcement of the MAS-AirAsia tie-up. Unfortunately, not much progress has been made in terms of operational matters.''
The research house said: “We have lowered our earnings forecast to adjust for higher fuel prices, lower yields and lower capacity deployment. We are optimistic on the tie-up as it brings forth exciting opportunities with synergy potential in the billions, but execution plans are iffy and very slow.''

Be brutally honest with us. Was it the politician? Was it us? Was it because we are not using the airline? Was it because you were not listening to us? Was it because you were not competitive? Or because your top executives not doing thier work? Was it because they were not listening to the employees? Was it because the government interfering with your goals? Or you no longer have goals? Simply wanting to survive and get a salary. Was it because you were arrogant and forgot your roots? Please, please, just come out and say it. Forget the politically and economically correct terms.

Next, how can we ALL fix this? All means me, you and all the people of Malaysia. Please remember that there are still many that hold you, MAS, so dear in our hearts; despite not being able to afford your fares. Remember that you fly our flag and we take pride in what you are. Remember that you matter to us. You, Malaysia Airline, is a part of us.

This may seemed naive to the senior executives, drawing the six figure salary, but the point is this. In your industry, both the seller and buyer, you and me are human beings. Behind the planes, behind the airports (which is of course another naughty boy) MAS are made up people, the chairman, the cabin crew - you are all humans. And we are humans too. We are not numbers, statistics of those who rode on your planes, own your shares or merely watch you fly. We are the people of Malaysia. MAS, you existed because the people of Malaysia, represented by the leader back then, wanted and needed you. And as the people, we still do. We care. So, let's us fix this, shall we?

Work smart everyone

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The Author is the principal of ElixirEducate - a training house for Smart Entrepreneur Program Series. He was an international investment banker, corporate financier and a business coach where he coaches entrepreneurs on building and growing their businesses.  You can be his  facebook friend here.
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