I refer to the letter MAS gender policy horrendously skewed and must say that I found it emotionally explosive.

Let me start by saying that there are certain biological differences between males and females which we understand and accept. When a woman goes on maternity leave, we men understand her burden and no one human would argue that for the sake of equality, women should return to work a day or two after her child's birth.

I will certainly agree that remuneration and rewards for both sexes, whether in employment or elsewhere, should be equal. Coming to the Malaysia Airlines issue , it has been agreed by both parties that based on a purely biological criteria, a stewardess may have to relinquish her duties based on certain conditions.

Perhaps, the argument may be that she should be provided alternative ground work but this will depend on availability and with competing candidates vying for this, it would be a case of too many chasing too few.

So, let us not sensationalise this issue of pregnant stewardesses being discriminated against by MAS. The courts, I believe, did the right thing in ruling that MAS stewardesses were bound by the company's collective agreement.

I also believe that Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil also understands that it is not a case of discrimination by MAS against its stewardesses but more one of biological concern. I believe she did try her best under the circumstances.

The agitation over this issue is groundless. It suggests that men have discriminated against women whereas sensible men everywhere would always encourage their womenfolk to go as far as they can.