I refer to the letter AirAsia has nothing to correct which basically says that no one should comment on the airline's operations just because their tickets are cheap.

The reason AirAsia offers cheap tickets is because it is a no-frills airline but that does not mean that the customers have no rights. The writer suggested that just because the tickets are cheap, customers should not complain about the quality of service. This is wrong. This 'So cheap, what you expect?' syndrome should be eliminated from the minds of Malaysians.

I have flown Virgin Blue and Jetstar, the two Australian low-cost carriers (LCCs) and their service is first class minus the free food and beverage. LCCs charge less because they offer less service but not poor service.

The fortunate thing for AirAsia is that it is the only one LCC in Malaysia at the moment. It is still very much protected from competition. If there is another LCC with slightly better service, I doubt AirAsia can survive with their sub-standard approach.

The way the writer above thinks explains why most people were satisfied with the Proton cars 10 years ago. Few complained and most agreed to give them more time to develop a better car. Most people then just said 'So cheap, what you expect? Look at where Proton is today.

Constructive criticisms should be welcomed and taken seriously. Every company should thrive for the best and never be satisfied. AirAsia is one of the very few local companies that Malaysians can be proud of.

If people continue to think of AirAsia as 'So cheap, what you expect?' in years to come, Air Asia will be just be another Proton. Left behind by peers, hoping for the government to wave its 'magic wand'.