Malaysian Airlines ‘irresponsible and heartless’ says flight attendants union

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia Airlines has been described as “irresponsible” and “heartless” for abandoning families of the flight crew who had sought the help of a foreign law firm to safeguard their interests in the MH370 saga.

This latest salvo against the national carrier came from National Union of Flight Attendants (Nufam) president Ismail Nasaruddin who said Malaysia Airlines cannot cut itself off from the grieving families simply because they had sought legal advice.

“It is their obligation to care for the well-being of their employees and their families. Furthermore, (Malaysia Airlines) has not offered to make any payout to the families of the crew members,” Mr Ismail said.

He hit out at Malaysia Airlines for not keeping its promise which was given to the families when the flight which was bound for Beijing went missing on March 8.

“(Malaysia Airlines) had initially promised the families many things. However they have ignored all of these obligations towards the families in the last couple of weeks,” said Mr Ismail.

Yesterday (May 18), families of the crew on board the lost MH370 said Malaysia Airlines had “abandoned” them because they sought the help of a foreign law firm, including stopping the services of the caregivers who had been there for them to provide emotional support.

Ms Jacquita Gonzales, wife of in-flight supervisor Patrick Francis Gomes, in a press conference at Holiday Villa Hotel yesterday said the caregivers were the families’ lifeline.

“Their roles are very important. They were there to feed us updates on the search and rescue mission carried out in finding the missing jet. They are also our support system, a shoulder to cry on.”

The families of seven of the 12 crew members said the national carrier sent an email to them two days ago asking them to get their lawyers to deal with the airlines legal team for all requests related to the missing passenger jet.

Ms Jacquita said this happened after the airlines got wind that the families of the seven had hired a legal advisor.

“We do not know how they know and obtained the documents, but we only wanted advice when it came to things that we did not understand. I am a lay person. I do not understand legal jargon. I do not know how to read between the lines. I have my children to take care of. So the best person I can refer to is a lawyer,” he said.

Lamenting over Malaysia Airlines’ “cold-hearted actions”, Mr Ismail said that Malaysia’s national flag carrier should have not stopped supporting the family members of the crew.

“Is this how a world recognised airline handles a crisis and dealing with the families of their crew?”

“It is shameful to see how they can just wash their hands off and act as if nothing had happened. This is so irresponsible of (Malaysia Airlines),” he said, adding that no assistance was extended to missing crew members’ wife who would be delivering a baby tomorrow.

Mr Ismail questioned Malaysia Airlines System Employees Union (Maseu) over its inaction and urged Putrajaya to intervene as the families have no one else to turn to.

“Where is their representative? What have they done to help the families in this time of need?” he said.

Nufam will be holding charity event called tribute to the crew of MH370 on June 7. All proceeds will go to the families of crew MH370. THE MALAYSIAN INSIDER