As Malaysians we should be embarrassed by the litany of failures of our government-linked companies (GLCs). MAS is the latest example. Despite full government backing, MAS continues to haemorrhage. This is beyond comprehension. Whereas Tony Fernandez started by mortgaging his house and what have you his AirAsia is now soaring high into the stratosphere.

Why? I think Tony succeeds because he is very much aware of the bottom line besides his high sense integrity and honesty combined with the desire to excel, which makes all the difference. Whereas MAS' management - whilst I don't doubt their management ability - are not putting the interest of the company above theirs and the nation's. The million-dollar paintings hanging imposingly in their offices speak for themselves. If they cannot be trusted for small things, they then cannot be trusted to handle bigger things.

Rather than lending RM3 billion to MAS, put the money in a fixed deposit and utilise the interest to provide scholarships for the poor kampung children. Build hostels for those who hail from the outskirts and provide them with better nutrition plus a dose of motivation - they will do better. At 5% per anum interest rate, RM3 billion can generate an income of RM15 million.

It's not so much how brilliant a manager is but that he should be a person of high morals, unquestionable honesty and a clear vision for the company he runs for the people of Malaysia and the nation. A brilliant person could also be a brilliant cheat! Anyone who has a basic understanding of management should be able to run any company especially an entity like MAS which enjoys government support.

I think Idris Jala should be given a free hand to run the show. He should be given at least three years to do so. If he needs to remove those high-salaried staff, let it be. If he too fails then MAS should be dissolved.

Let AirAsia fly our Jalur Gemilang, for indeed AirAsia is 'gemilang'. We should not be sentimental about the whole episode. Similarly, Proton too needs to be sold if it expects to make money. It's unfair to tax Malaysians just to ensure Proton survives. In Thailand, a car of similar capacity only costs half as much.