ALOR STAR: Kedah Umno Youth today called for Tan Sri Tony Fernandes to be considered as a candidate for the Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) top post following the departure of Peter Bellew.

The wing chief, Datuk Shaiful Hazizy Zainol Abidin, said there are many local talents capable of taking over the MAB chief executive officer post, citing Fernandes as an example.

Shaiful said the AirAsia CEO has a proven track record in steering the company into becoming an international budget airliner.

“Kedah Umno Youth believe it is about time that Malaysia Airlines regains its past glory through the ongoing recovery plan without being under the leadership of a foreign figure,” he said in a statement today.

Shaiful said MAB should consider opening its doors to local talents to succeed Bellew, who is leaving the company to rejoin Irish low-cost airline Ryanair as chief operations officer this December.

Bellew is the second CEO to relinquish the post after Christoph Mueller, who left the job just a year after serving the airline with two years of his contract remaining.

“We believe that it is time for the government to have faith in local aviation industry talents to carry on with the airline’s recovery plan. Fernandes’ proven track record in making AirAsia a global brand makes him an ideal candidate.

“The sole intention is to restore the national airline’s glory via a Malaysian talent and doing it our way, for the interest of Malaysia as a whole,” he said.

He noted that Tan Sri Aziz Abdul Rahman had previously proven that a local talent could steer the airline into profit.

“Kedah Umno Youth believe local talents are more committed and focused in ensuring the success of the restructuring plan compared to foreign talents.

“I believe Fernandes will take up the challenge to serve the nation. I do not see any problems with him departing AirAsia as the company is being led by a great team groomed by Fernandes himself.

“Based on the number of aircraft owned by AirAsia, manpower as well as annual profits, this makes Fernandes among the renowned talents in the aviation industry. Based on these achievements, hasn’t Fernandes earned the right to lead MAB?" he asked.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2017/10/293148/consider-tony-fernandes-malaysia-airlines-top-post