I could not help releasing a chuckle when I read the statement by MAS chief executive in malaysiakini , A 'cultural revolution' in MAS .

MAS misses the point. Concentrating on business class and first class passengers - the minority - will not help MAS make that 'turn around'.

MAS fails to identify the common grievances of the common passenger. The most common complaint can be heard right at the baggage check-in counter - that MAS ground staff follow the weight limit rule to the letter, and not a gramme more is tolerated. Any excess weight means that the traveller - especially the foreign tourist who spent his money answering our government's call to shop till he drops - will be charged exorbitantly.

Such an attitude is absent with Singapore Airlines or any other major reputable airline. Is this MAS' way of turning around by trying to make a quick buck out of excess baggage? Which tourist will travel again on MAS if she or he cannot bring home all the cheap goods bought from our shopping malls?

Then, the average frequent traveller, ie, one who travels in economy class, will find that MAS seats are cramped and the cabin claustrophobic. Even a Malaysian will find MAS' economy class stuffy. Sadly, our guys up there don't care about the majority of those that occupy this section. They actually talk about 'roomier' WCs and better crockery for a smaller percentage of passengers.

MAS should also re-train most of their stewards and stewardesses in the field of courtesy and politeness. Yes, there is a hypocrisy exercise 10,000 feet above the ground. If you think MAS and SIA stewardesses are the same, think again. There is a huge gap between them when it comes to smiling equally to both Asian and Western travellers.

The frequent, common (and mind you, economy class) traveller is actually less interested in tight-fitting apparel 10,000 feet above the ground. I have never liked Singapore or most of their citizens, but their airline and standard of service is of far superior quality.

Of course, another important grievance that the MAS chief has conveniently ignored is his airline's steep fares. Just make a quick comparison with other major airlines.

If MAS thinks it can survive by small changes that cater for the elite few and ignore us the majority, then it will spell a speedy end for our national carrier even before the instant noodles are ready behind the first-class curtain that demarcates MAS' 'preferred' passengers from the others.