KUALA LUMPUR: Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong has criticised Transport Minister Anthony Loke after the latter advised him against creating panic over issues affecting Malaysia Airlines.
"Please show me where in my post that I was factually incorrect," Wee said in a Facebook post, alluding to an earlier entry in which he raised concerns about the national carrier.
In that post, Wee listed disruptions affecting Malaysia Airlines flights in recent weeks, and said these problems had led people to ask what had happened to Malaysia Airlines.
Yesterday, Loke said Wee should not stir fears over an alleged crisis of confidence in Malaysia Airlines.
"Is it wrong for me to say this? What have I done wrong?" Wee, a former transport minister, said today.
"Which part of my statement accused Malaysia Airlines, to the point of causing panic? In which line did I call the professionalism of our national carrier, Malaysia Airlines, into question?"
Wee said it was incumbent on the Transport Ministry, as a regulator, and Malaysia Airlines' parent company, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG), to explain each incident.
He also said the ministry and MAG must convince the public and passengers that measures were being taken to restore their confidence.
"Passengers' confidence and safety must be prioritised. There must be assurances given to Malaysia Airlines' customers.
"If passengers are feeling anxious, it won't benefit MAG.
"Relax la, brother (Loke). Calm down, don't be so angry. Do your best to restore passengers' confidence in Malaysia Airlines."
Following Wee's initial post, MAG announced that it would temporarily reduce flights on Malaysia Airlines, Firefly, and Amal, until December.
MAG managing director, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail, said the reduction in its network was necessary to implement corrective measures to ensure the long-term reliability of its fleet, and to minimise disruptions.