The executive chairperson of Sarawak-owned aviation company Hornbill Skyways Sdn Bhd, denied the company was in crisis following the two helicopter crashes that it recorded in 2004.

aidan wing sarawak lambir assemblyperson Aidan Wing, 66 ( left ), who is testifying in the Industrial Court over an unlawful dismissal claim of its former general manager, Mohamed Asharat Ramzan Ali, said this may happen to Hornbill Skyways or to other airline companies in the world.

"All in all, we continue to emphasise on security and safety aspects. This is important to the industry to us, the consumers and our customers," he said during cross-examination by lawyer Atan Mustaffa Yussof Ahmad.

The crashes in question were in July and September 2004, resulting in several deaths. Among those who died included a state assistant minister and a private secretary to a deputy chief minister.

To another question, Wing, a Lembir assemblyperson and formerly a bank manager, denied the company was heavily influenced by politics and the state, in its daily running.

"That is not true. Our company happens to be a government linked corporation but the board of directors runs its operations. It is a separate entity," he said.

Wing, who at times seemed to be evading questions during the cross-examination, said as Asharat was employed as a general manager, he must contribute as he is hired to benefit the company.

"I cannot be seen to hire deadwood," he said in responding to a question whether Asharat was hired to solve the safety problems in the company.

Asharat, who was employed between March 15, and July 13, 2005, claims he was hired following the two crashes, and he had discovered some questionable practices in the company.

He possesses a Bachelor's in Business Administration from University of Mississippi, and a Masters of Science in Air Transport from Cranfield University, United Kingdom, specialising in Airline operations, airline and airport marketing, airport design, management and operation and aircraft accident investigation.

In an earlier report, Wing denied the Sarawak Chief Minister was involved in Ashrat's dismissal.

Wing: GM tried to topple me

Questioned whether Asharat, had actively tried to review certain poor practices in the company, the Lambir assemblyperson said he had hired Ashrat to help him.

"But he tried to rock the boat and went beyond what he was required to do," Wing said.

Pressured further by Atan, the witness replied he believed Asharat tried, but also tarnished the good image of the company.

"I believe he tried to topple me when he bypassed reporting to me as required, to see the company chairperson. He (Asharat) has been passing rumours and unnecessary allegations," he said.

Asked by Atan to comment that his client observed the management team lacked the necessary training and experience needed to operate an aviation organisation effectively, Wing said he believed it was merely Asharat's observation.

"Anyway, he is hired to support and help me. Such an assertion is merely his assessment. In a way yes, and in a way I do not agree. But I believe that if he said it is not the right way, he should have discussed," he said.

Wing also said the company employs sound operational practices and when asked whether there is a further need to improve the company in any way, the witness replied it is very subjective.

'Improper purchase'

Explaining further what the alleged rumours were, the witness said the claimant alleged there was an improper purchase of a Bell helicopter.

Wing said he had heard it from some staff including former director, Len Talif Salleh and former company chairperson, Bujang Mohd Nor.

"He went behind my back to complain to Bujang of possible fraud and corruption," he said.

"I have to protect my reputation, the company and the government," he said, adding the other rumour which he believed to have emanated from Ashrat was over the purchase of a Citation X aircraft.

The witness disagreed when Atan pointed out that it was not possible Ashrat could have started the rumour or allegations, as he only came to know such matters later, as proven by documentation.

Wing said since Asharat's sacking, he assumed again the post of the general manager.

Questioned further by Atan if there were any crashes after Asharat left, he said there was one and that was also in July 2005. All in all, he remembered there were five crashes in the company's 33 years' of operation.

AOC renewed yearly

Wing disagreed when asked if Asharat was hired by Hornbill Skyways as it had problems with the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) in gaining the Aircraft Operator Certificates (AOC) for its Bell helicopters following the earlier crashes.

"The AOCs are given on an annual basis although it was initially suspended following the crashes," he said.

The witness also denied that the DCA required a qualified ‘accountable manager', as he claimed it is up to the authority.

He also denied that following the AOC report on the crashes showed there were numerous administration, operational and communication deficiencies with the government.

"I cannot comment on the report...The authority (DCA) is to assist us it is not a one-way traffic," he said.