LAST Wednesday saw the passing of Tan Sri Saw Huat Lye, the person who first put Malaysian aviation on the world map.
He was the first chief executive officer of Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAS).
MAS commenced operations on Oct 1, 1972 after the split of Malaysia-Singapore Airlines into Singapore Airlines (SIA) and MAS.
It was a difficult and trying time for MAS as it set to establish its operations after the split.
While SIA had the advantage of taking over the infrastructure, planes and route network of MSA, MAS had to start from scratch — employing staff, buying planes, building infrastructure, such as hangars, catering facilities and developing the network.
MAS had to secure rights to operate to international destinations and there were many challenges that had to be overcome to achieve this.
Following the split, it was intended that MAS would essentially be a domestic airline with some regional services.
However, under Tan Sri Saw’s vision and leadership, and ably supported by Tan Sri Aziz Abdul Rahman and other senior members of management, MAS grew faster than expected and was soon operating services to Australia and the United Kingdom.
Tan Sri Saw laid the foundation
of what was to become a great airline.
It was not easy to create the MAS brand as it had to compete with the best airlines in the region, such as SIA, Thai Airways and Cathay Pacific.
By the time Tan Sri Saw left MAS after 10 years as the chief executive officer, MAS had established itself internationally and was recognised for its quality of service.
Tan Sri Aziz, who took over as chief executive officer, continued to expand the airline to greater heights, thanks to the foundation laid by Tan Sri Saw.
Lest we forget Tan Sri Saw’s contribution to the nation, if I may, on behalf of all the staff who were with Tan Sri Saw during his tenure, we wish to honour him for his vision and leadership in guiding us during the formative years of MAS.
We will continue to have fond memories of our time together. Farewell, Tan Sri.
TAN SRI BASHIR AHMAD, Kuala Lumpur