National carrier Malaysia Airlines (MAS) and its general manager came under Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department M Kayveas' crosshair today for imposing an age limit for its female cabin crew.

According to the deputy minister, who served the airlines for 16 years in various capacities, the policy "blatantly discriminated against women, was narrow-minded and outdated".

"MAS corporate services senior general manager Dr Mohammadon Abdullah who defended the policy is living in an ancient century, he doesn't know that times have changed.

"If he likes, he can spend some money to do a facial so he can always stay young," quipped Kayveas when met by reporters at the Parliament lobby.

'Young and pretty'

Mohamadon had reasoned that MAS needed "young, pretty and alert" stewardesses to respond to emergencies as the safety and security of passengers were the airlines' utmost priorities.

This prompted the MAS employees union (Maseu) to launch a campaign for what it termed as sexual discrimination by its employer. MAS currently retires its female cabin crew between 40 and 45 years, much earlier than the male crew retirement age of 55.

Female cabin crew are grounded the moment they are pregnant, in addition to being denied pay, medical benefits, or allowance for seven months of their pregnancy. MAS also reserves the right to terminate the services of any female cabin crew if she has more than two children.

Emulate others

Elaborating on the matter, Kayveas urged MAS to abandon its 'pretty face or face value' practice and emulate other countries such as India and Japan which imposed a higher retirement age for their female cabin crew.

"Who says stewardess over 45 are not alert or quick to respond to emergencies? As I was informed, they were some pilots who are aged 50 and 60," he said.

The deputy minister also noted that the policy violated Article 8 (2) of the Federal Constitution for its gender discrimination and the Employment Act. The act guaranteed maternity allowance for up to five children.

However, Kayveas advised the union to seek a dialogue with the employers before resorting to legal action as the latter should be a last resort.

"I always believe in win-win situations. I hope they will meet and discuss first, maybe the airlines could impose certain conditions such as (female crew over 45 years) should maintain a certain weight," he said.

He also promised to raise the matter with the Women and Family Development and Human Resources Ministries.

The 10-member Maseu delegation was led by its executive secretary Mustafar Maarof, who told reporters that the union was currently working with several women's groups.

Despite numerous attempts, Mohammadon could not be reached for comment.