Give Mueller a chance to steer MAS out of trouble

THE appointment of a non-Malaysian, the chief executive of Aer Lingus Group PLC, Christoph R Mueller, a German national as chief executive officer of Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAS Newco) drew mixed reaction.

From the present situation of our national carrier MAS, the reminiscence of the Japanese giant automobile company, Nissan Motor Company Limited, is ignited.

Kwaishinsha Motor Cars Works founded in 1911 and later changed its name to the present Nissan Motor in 1934. During the financial crisis from 1995 to 1999 when the company suffered continual losses for the last three years, against pride and dignity of most Japanese, the company took a bold move by entering an alliance with Renault S.A. of France and formed the Renault-Nissan Alliance in March 1999.

Subsequent to the alliance, Renault sent its Chief Operating Officer, Carlos Ghosn to Japan to oversee and help the embattled Nissan Motor company.

Ghosn was later named as the chief executive officer of Nissan since June 2001 until today.

Before his appointment, there had been 14 Japanese CEOs and Carlos Ghosn is the first non-Japanese to be appointed. Though his appointment did create unhappiness and uproar, however, in the spirit of pride and dignity, the achievement and success have overshadowed the critics.

The appointment of a non-Malaysian as the chief executive officer had showed that the Malaysian Government is serious and has taken a rare and bold step in eliminating any political elements that may influence any decision to be taken later.

The ongoing unhealthy sign of sarcasm and negative remarks will only stir up the emotion which won’t be good for the rakyat.

CHONG HAI YONG

Penang

Published in the Star 9th December 2014 (Tuesday)