MAS vows to protect whistle-blowers
Malaysia Airlines (MAS) has invited employees to report corruption, security risks and other bad practices at the national carrier under a new 'whistle-blower' policy, a report said Wednesday.
The airline's new managing director Idris Jala has encouraged employees to report any knowledge of graft, negligence, safety and security issues or abuse of power to an independent committee, the New Straits Times said.
"This policy is being introduced to provide a safe and acceptable way for you to raise your concerns about malpractice affecting MAS without fear or repercussions," he said in a circular quoted by the daily.
"It allows you to raise matters in an independent and unbiased manner," said Idris, who took over at the loss-making airline last December.
Disciplinary action
Idris said employees would not be expected to prove their allegations, and vowed to protect those who passed on information.
"Any attempt to retaliate against, victimise or intimidate a whistle-blower making a good-faith report is a serious violation and shall be dealt with by way of disciplinary action," he said.
Idris has been tasked with turning around the airline, which ended 2005 in a troubled state after two consecutive quarters of losses which triggered calls for costs to be slashed.
He is expected to detail a restructuring plan this month aimed at taking the carrier out of the red.
MAS, which is plagued by financial problems, has also been in the spotlight over several controversies such as its million-ringgit art collection and for allegedly hiring an ex-Israeli intelligence officer.
Th airlines has since denied engaging the services of any such person.
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