So long as no public money for Rayani Air, let it take to the sky

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YOURSAY | ‘This is a free world. Business is dictated by the customers’ choice.’

When religious compliance takes to the air

Vijay47: In almost any country with a level-playing field, success in securing a profitable business opening would be evidence that reward awaits those with astuteness to harness opportunities.

But in Malaysia? A Hindu couple? Launching a syariah-compliant airline, whatever that is? There would be enough fanatics to bay that having non-Muslims managing a syariah-compliant organisation would be ‘haram’ and the height of blasphemy.

In a Malaysia, where every blessed thing is seen through religious lens, where any action is condemned to be a cunning effort to confuse and weaken faith, can a Hindu-led Rayani Air be allowed to even come into being?

Ministers Ismail Sabri Yaakob and Abdul Rahman Dahlan, and Perak mufti Harussani Zakaria and the like would be frothing at the mouth at the mere thought.

P Ramasamy's other point is when and where is this segregation going to end? Like supermarket trolleys , will we soon be having separate air corridors for Muslims?

Then again, Rayani Air need not be so strange. Not when we have a Chinese Malaysian representing Saudi Arabia.

Teoh Soong Kee: It's a private enterprise. There is nothing wrong as long as there is no discrimination in hiring and staff promotions, as well as customer pricing and service. And no public money is used.

Sali Tambap: If the enterprising couple want to cater for a specific group of customers for their airline, then why not?

This is a free world. Business is dictated by customers’ choice. But whether it is viable or not, it is another matter, and only time will tell.

AirAsia founder Tony Fernandes had this brilliant idea of setting up an airline and his Tune Hotel. Especially the latter at KLIA2.

With cheap travel, there would be more customers, and along with that, there would bound to be many transit flights, passengers of which would need a convenient hotel to stay for the night. Tune Hotel provides a much-needed service.

What I am trying to say is, a good businessman would know where the money is. So who knows, this couple may yet have another brilliant idea.

Az: Yes, I don't see anything wrong with this. They are just exploiting a potential market. They did not say that non-Muslims are not welcome but just say all the practices in the business will be syariah-compliant. This is mentioned upfront and all are free to choose.

What is the difference between this and hotels, clubs and restaurants that introduce a dress code and other conditions for their customers?

Based on the writer's logic, we should not have a halal restaurant as this discriminates against non-Muslims.

Norman Fernandez: Rayani Airlines has found a business gimmick to be exploited. That is all. Anyway, I will not use this airline for the following reasons:

1. Its two planes are reported to be 22 years old. I am not risking my life, even if they have airworthiness certificates.

2. Since it is syariah-compliant, I may not be allowed to bring on board my non-syariah items like duty-free cigarettes and liquor.

3. My family's attire will need to conform to their standard of modesty and decency.

Daniel: Just out of curiosity, is the capital employed in this syariah-compliant airline ‘halal’ or from such kosher sources?

Anonymous #38412023: Dear P Ramasamy, I think you are still living in the Jurassic era.

In the world of borderless countries, free trade, freedom of speech, democracy, etc, we just want the best deal for the people but yet you are playing on a religious issue.

FellowMalaysian: I believe Ramasamy should not be overly concerned with Air Rayani's move in making its airline syariah-compliant.

There is a plethora of business outlets selling halal-only products or offering services that are meant for the Muslim communities and they include a myriad of manufactured products, tour and travel agencies, groceries and retailers. So adding an airline is a piddling affair and will not make a significant difference.

In fact, with a Hindu couple being its owners, the operator of this Islamic-themed airline is a testament that business opportunities should be open to all, irrespective of creed, beliefs or political inclinations.

Prudent: Ramasamy, this is called Blue Ocean Strategy. If these two Hindus don't do it, some other Muslims, Buddhists and Christians may do it if there is money to be made.

But I don't think non-Muslims care too much so long as they get the same smiles and care when on board.

But it may turn out to be a 'Blur' Ocean Strategy if even the Muslims dislike it for reasons that are surmisable if one thinks deeper about it. We shall see.

Abasir: Oops, Ramasamy, now that you've let the cat out of the bag, I'm afraid the much-touted 'syariah-compliance' may appear to be somewhat diluted by the ownership.

The Turtle Eggs Man and others of his ilk might start harbouring ideas for a Rayani 2.


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