Mueller’s resignation sparks concerns over MAS’ recovery

Malaysia Airlines Bhd Chief Executive Officer Christoph Mueller:

PETALING JAYA: The resignation of Malaysia Airlines Berhad’s (MAS) chief executive officer and managing director Christoph Mueller (pic) has raised concerns over efforts to turn around the national carrier.

Malaysian Trades Union Congress’ secretary-general N. Gopal Kishnam said Mueller’s early exit would affect MAS’ parent company Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s restructuring plans for the airline.

“Khazanah will have to look for a qualified candidate to replace Mueller. And this will take time,” he said when contacted.

In a surprising announcement on Tuesday, Mueller told staff he would be leaving the company in September, prematurely ending his three-year contract. He cited personal reasons for his decision.

The German is the first non-Malaysian hand-picked to head the troubled national carrier, taking over from Ahmad Jauhari Yahya last May.

Gopal also lamented the status of the Malaysia Airlines System Employees Union (Maseu), which he said had remained in limbo following the takeover by Khazanah.

Maseu’s former executive secretary Mohd Jabarullah Abdul Kadir said the resignation could mean problems in MAS’ restructuring.

Last month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak told the Dewan Rakyat that MAS expected to start turning in a profit by 2018, following implementation of the company’s 12-point recovery plan.