Former MAS staff hold first reunion
Published on: Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: The idea to hold a get-together among the former staff of Malaysia Airlines (MAS) was first mooted by a group of former colleagues decades ago. It became a reality when they pursued the matter seriously and called for a few meetings.The first ever reunion was then realised last month at Kinabalu Yacht Club in Tanjung Aru, with some 50 turning up.Spokesperson Fadzil Mairon said he and some friends like Awangku Alliyuddin, Benedict Gunda and Namesius Sylvester Lim initiated the task.
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Fadzil, Awangku and Benedict were former personnel in the airlines while Namesius is still serving in the ground operation under MasWings."It is a good way to keep in touch after not meeting for 20, 30 or 40 years. Although I am still working with the airlines, I do get in touch with my former colleagues. Our friendship is so precious," said Namesius. She said the reunion was for ex-staff from traffic and cargo department, saying some of the former staff joined the airlines as early as the 70s and 80s. The airport was then at Tanjung Aru in the early years and later re-located at the present premises in 1985.Fadzil, who led the team in organising the reunion, said he had been waiting for so long to have it realised.
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"This is our first reunion and I am glad that it was a success although many did not turn up due to their other commitment. But I am happy to see some 50 members turned up," said Fadzil, who retired many years back.
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He said they would make the reunion a yearly affair so that they could continue to strengthen their friendship. Meanwhile, one of the longest serving staff Henry Chin, 74, who retired in 1997 said he is proud to be associated with MAS and having to know many friends during his working days. Today, Henry is passionate about photography and turns it into part time work to earn some extra income.One of Henry's former staff, Dayang Norhaidah Hj Awang Anak, recalled:"Henry was such a strict boss and I was so afraid of him. I made sure my work was done accordingly. "It is good to see Henry today not as a boss but as a friend. We value our friendship (in the airlines)," said Dayang.Another senior staff who left mid-1970s was Datin Jennifer Wong who said she made some good friends while serving in the organisation."I was with MSA before I joined MAS. MSA was Malaysia-Singapore Airlines then it was changed to MAS later on. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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