I am writing in response to Tadin Sahak's call for Malaysians to be a "little more patriotic" with regard to the challenge of AirAsia to Malaysia Airlines. Tadin's intentions may be noble but let us look at the broader picture of an airline business in the midst of spiraling fuel prices and liberalising economies.

Tadin's call for the government to intervene recalls the vain attempt by certain quarters to crush another Malaysian company for the short-term survival of MAS. Tadin and supporters of such a view think of themselves as nationalists but the reality is that they are not thinking of the greater good of Malaysians.

If AirAsia is circumscribed and forced to share its domestic market with an ailing company, then the result would be that its natural development would be hindered. If as Tadin claims AirAsia's service is bad, then people will shun it. Obviously, on most of its flights, it is performing well drawing in the numbers.

Tadin has to also consider the possibility of another regional airlines filling the gap once AirAsia is weakened. This new company can be based in Singapore or the Philippines. The end result would be the same except that the Malaysian government will earn less tax and KLIA would become an even quieter place.

The problem with such protectionist business policies is not only that they ultimately fail but that they eventually give rise to poor management practices as patronage, not practical business goals, are its objectives. Take Proton as an example. I am sure that Malaysians do not mind subsidising the national car industry but Proton must be patriotic as well by making sure Malaysians get their money's worth.

While the engine of a Proton car is good, its accessories leave much to be desired. Proton is run by intelligent engineers, why is this problem occurring and if the suppliers of these parts are to blame, why are they not taken to task? Hence, if Perodua can provide Malaysians with a cheaper and better option, why kill it for the sake of Proton?

At the end of the day, Tadin and the people who share his school of thought, should look deeply into themselves before asking Malaysians to be little more patriotic. We want to buy Malaysian products and get to know the country better by travelling in the country but seriously, those providing the service need to be kinder to their fellow Malaysians.

Coming back to MAS and AirAsia, I agree with the many voices that support the continual progress of the latter and with regard to MAS, I say let its new CEO undo the vestiges of a feudal business management system, one that was dependent on patronage. Let Idris Jala have the free hand to make real patriotic choices that benefit the majority of Malaysians. Let the greatest good be for the greatest number.