We refer to the letter titled MAS must innovate to remain relevant .

Malaysia Airlines Managing Director/ CEO, Tengku Azmil Zahruddin presented the national carrier’s point of view on AirAsia’s quest in lobbying for KL-Sydney routes, and routes operated by Malaysia Airlines in an open letter which was published in various publications on May 1.

He concluded, ‘Malaysia needs a clear aviation policy – one that offers real choices to consumers and that benefits the country. It must be a long term, comprehensive and impartial policy that will ensure that the country and rakyat takes precedence.

‘One that will ensure that KLIA becomes a regional hub, on par with Changi and Suvarnabhumi and that all local airlines – MAS, Firefly, AirAsia and AirAsiaX - are given equal treatment, with consideration given in view of what is best for the country.

‘At the time we made the proposal, AirAsia was not advocating this. I am glad that they now think that this is a good idea.

The winner should not be the one who shouts the loudest in the media. Nor lobby the hardest. We need to learn to compete and collaborate, and work with the government to achieve the nation’s aspirations.’

We trust that this clarifies the concerns raised by the writer.

The writer is head, media relations, Malaysia Airlines.