I refer to the article ‘Analysts: MAS needs strategic investors with vast experience’ (NST, July 10).
Without going into the debate on how the turnaround plan should materialise, be it through local or foreign investors,I am rather perplexed by the observation by an aviation analyst, who said: ‘Any foreign and local investor should be given the opportunity to turn around Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAS).
Maybe the ‘old’ people may not be innovative and will insist on doing things the old way. A young and dynamic team is needed to ensure that MAS evolves over time.
I am hoping it was a Freudian slip from the analyst stating that ‘old’ people may not be innovative! I do understand where he may be coming from. However, phrasing the statement in that manner does him no favours.
The MAS turnaround issue is highly complex and, coming from a non-aviation expert, yours truly, it must be pretty mind-boggling trying to find a proper fix.
Back to the ‘old’ issue. Needless to say, we already have enough examples of ‘old people’ in recent history who are pretty innovative who can turn businesses around. I am sure business gurus can list a few from the top of their heads. But looking closer to home, the man who is trying to turn around the financial situation of our country is none other than Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who just celebrated his 94th birthday.
We could go on quoting further examples, but suffice it to say, ageism is everywhere and we need to be aware of it and not downplay its existence.
It is about finding the right man for the right job. Trust me, age is not a criterion. Embracing what the millennials or young can bring into the mix cannot be sidelined, but without the experience and mentorship of age and wisdom, we will still be twiddling our thumbs trying to figure out a right solution!
Epicurus, a Greek philosopher, said: ‘It is not the young man who should be considered fortunate, but the old man who has lived well, because the young man in his prime wanders much by chance, vacillating in his beliefs, while the old man has docked in the harbour, having safeguarded his true happiness.’
DR JUDE SELVARAJ
Kuala Lumpur