Kuching: DAPSY Sarawak Treasurer Wong King Yii has called on politicians to stop politicising Malaysia Airlines’ in-flight services, following a Perikatan Nasional MP’s call for the national carrier to cease serving alcohol.
Wong said the debate over what should be served onboard Malaysia Airlines (MAS) flights was a “misplaced priority” at a time when the airline is still recovering from the severe economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Instead of focusing on what is being served on the plane, our leaders should be focused on how to get Malaysia’s economy off the ground,” he said in a statement.
He noted that MAS suffered heavy losses during the pandemic, with grounded flights and staff retrenchments, and is now working to rebuild its operations and reputation.
Wong stressed that serving alcohol on international flights is standard practice among leading global airlines, including those from Muslim-majority countries such as Emirates and Qatar Airways.
“These airlines have shown it is possible to uphold their cultural and religious values while remaining globally competitive,” he said.
According to Wong, MAS operates in a global market and must cater to a diverse range of passengers.
Imposing unnecessary restrictions, he warned, could damage the airline’s competitiveness and deter travellers from choosing Malaysia as their travel hub.
“It is time our leaders stop turning every issue into a political battleground. The real focus should be on creating jobs, attracting investments, and growing the economy – not on what a passenger drinks 30,000 feet in the air,” he added.
Wong urged leaders to let Malaysia Airlines continue to represent national excellence “with pride, professionalism, and purpose,” rather than become a casualty of political distraction.
