Nufam urges transparency over MAS takeover offers

The National Union of Flight Attendants Malaysia (Nufam) has urged the government to exercise transparency over the various proposals to take over troubled national carrier Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAS).

This is after Focus Malaysia reported that there are five offers for a MAS takeover, including by AirAsia Group and Japan Airlines.

"We believe those involved with MAS deserve to know the plans first rather than to hear from a third party.

"We don't want to be ambushed by any sudden news or plans of a takeover by AirAsia Group which many insiders are claiming now to be quietly taking place.

"We want Khazanah Nasional to come clean and issue a statement of any such plans of a takeover without having people to guess what's coming later," it said.

MAS, which endured two plane disasters in 2014, was in trouble and needed the government to rescue it.

The government, through Khazanah Nasional, had in 2015 taken over MAS but the move has been costly.

Khazanah had reportedly allocated RM6 billion for the rescue plan and 70 percent of the funds had been utilised in January 2018.

Nufam said the government should stop keeping people guessing on its plan for MAS' future.

"Transparency is crucial here so people will gain more confidence in terms of good governance.

"Each time we ask about the progress of MAS, all seems too silent but deals are already quietly happening behind. Why (is it) so secret?

"There is a need to be honest of these plans since MAS is of national interest," it said.

Nufam also expressed concern if AirAsia is chosen as the takeover candidate, stating that the low-cost carrier too has its own financial challenges.

"The government must name those interested parties or those involved in these proposals of the takeover of MAS.

"Anyone can take over the national airline but it should also not be at the expense of those who are working in these companies," he said.

Nufam also raised concerns of retrenchment if a takeover were to happen.

It also expressed worry that the takeover candidates may be more interested in MAS' assets.

"But what will happen to the crew, pilots, engineers and those working for these long haul operations?" it said.

Nufam said MAS is in the situation it is today due to poor decisions in the past and lack of consultation.

"It's time to become more transparent with any such plans especially on government-linked companies like MAS. We certainly think the people deserve to know," it said.