PETALING JAYA: Transport Minister Anthony Loke should focus on addressing safety concerns over the safety of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) aircraft instead of accusing Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong of creating panic, says Datuk Ir Lawrence Low (pic).
In a statement on Tuesday (Aug 27), the MCA vice-president defended his party president, who had highlighted the recent spate of incidents involving MAS aircraft that resulted in public concern.
Below is his statement in full.
Despite a series of incidents involving Malaysia Airlines (MAS) aircraft, Transport Minister Anthony Loke has cautioned his predecessor Datuk Seri Ir Dr Wee Ka Siong against fuelling unnecessary alarm over a supposed confidence crisis following, warning against creating public panic. Amidst these public concerns, Loke emphasised that there is no reason to doubt the professionalism of MAS and its parent company, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), in managing these issues.
While there might be concerns over potential public panic, taking precautionary measures and hearing out public concerns and grievances should not be mistaken for creating alarm. Preventive action should always take precedence over reactive responses.
Loke’s statements read as a dismissive response to concerns about the possible confidence crisis at MAS and MAG. This dismissal is not only irresponsible but also out of touch with reality. Instead of taking the opportunity to seriously address the public’s growing unease, we should be ensuring the safety and reliability of the airline rather than the status quo.
His statement that there is "no reason to question the professionalism of MAG" rings hollow, especially in light of the recent spate of incidents involving MAS aircraft. These incidents, which have led to widespread public concern, should not be brushed aside as mere fearmongering. When an airline experiences multiple technical issues in a short span of time, it is a sign that something may be wrong on a deeper level—whether it’s with the maintenance, the management, or the overall operational integrity of the company.
Loke’s downplaying of these issues is particularly troubling given the global aviation industry’s standards, where even minor lapses can lead to catastrophic consequences. His suggestion that this is simply an "industry-wide issue" shared by other airlines deflects the reality of the situation.
Moreover, online reader feedback does not share Loke’s sentiments but on the contrary, has voiced concerns over MAS’ technical issues vis-à-vis passenger safety.
The public deserves more than vague reassurances, they deserve transparency and concrete actions. By dismissing legitimate concerns and failing to hold MAS accountable, Loke is not only undermining public trust but also potentially compromising the safety and reliability of Malaysia’s national carrier. We must not dismiss legitimate public concerns. It's better to prioritise safety and transparency to avoid undermining public trust in our aviation industry and its reliability.
Datuk Ir Lawrence Low
MCA vice-president
