PONTIAN: Former transport minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong has defended his actions in criticising Malaysia Airlines.

He said he was merely voicing the concerns and anxieties of passengers and the public following several technical incidents involving the airline.

He said he had no intention of pointing fingers or placing blame on the government or questioning the professionalism of Malaysia Airlines and Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).

"I raised the (technical issue with Malaysia Airlines planes) appropriately and only requested that the government and the Transport Ministry investigate the matter and assist Malaysia Airlines to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

"What wrong did I commit by saying that? We are merely appealing and urging, but in the end, I was accused of causing panic. It was actually the explanation given by Transport Minister Anthony Loke last week that caused Malaysians to panic and be taken aback.

"I spoke out because Malaysia Airlines passengers and the public lodged complaints with me, asking me to voice their concerns. Please accept their views and listen to the comments of the people.

"I have no other motive in raising this issue because I, too, frequently use Malaysia Airlines' services. When the people express their concerns, immediate action should be taken to rectify the situation because the safety of the people must be prioritised.

"If you want to be angry with me, that's fine," he told reporters after opening the MCA Youth and Women's wings annual general meeting here.

On Aug 26, Loke had urged Wee not to cause public panic following his criticism of the technical issues with Malaysia Airlines planes.

Loke had said Wee's claim that there was a confidence crisis in Malaysia Airlines should not have been made.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), Loke added, has already conducted a special audit on several incidents involving Malaysia Airlines aircraft, with the findings from the audit presented at the Cabinet meeting last Wednesday.

Malaysia Airlines, in a statement last week, said the company would be reducing its flights temporarily until December.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1099807/wee-was-i-wrong-raising-malaysia-airlines-passenger-concerns