OCTOBER 18 — Malaysia Airlines is special. Not just an airline but one of the earliest symbols of the vibrancy of this amazing country. People who have never flown in their life love it. Most of the country hopes it will thrive and be the Pride of the Nation again. It is a tough job to fix it.

Success is just within our grasp. Just another 4-5 per cent in revenue monthly and it should move to profits. Not always easy to gain but in the second quarter revenue increased 7 per cent. The product is improving visibly: New widebody planes, new lounges, new loyalty programme, new website and better operations in Kuala Lumpur. Still some work needed on the food! Lots done – lots more to do.

Please don’t change the brand! Much work has been done globally through the media and travel agents to rebuild our heritage. People love what Malaysia Airlines stands for. The brand is now revived from China to the UK and down to Australia. That work must continue and will yield the 5 per cent plus revenue growth.

There have been news reports about Khazanah. Let me be clear. Khazanah is a Malaysian investment company linked to the Government. They have been incredibly supportive to me personally and corporately. I tried to be transparent on a daily basis, included them in most significant meetings and dragged their staff to work for us! It has worked well.

There has been no interference. Although possibly I drove Khazanah mad with my constant questions and wish for consensus. I cannot thank them enough for accelerating our transformation. Tan Sri Azman could not have been more supportive. Terima kasih Khazanah.

People always ask me how do I cope with government interference. There has been none for me. Zero interference.

So why am I leaving. Negaraku. Love for country is pulling me back to Ireland. I got a call from Ryanair late evening two weeks ago to be COO. It is Ireland’s greatest company. They need my help and there is a big challenge.

It is a form of national service. When I was asked on September 27 would I go to Ryanair I said no. But a week later the call came and in life we can really never say never. I am looking forward to being close again to my family and friends 14 hours away in Ireland.

** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.