AirAsia accepts MalaysiaNow's apology over misleading articles

Multinational low-cost airline AirAsia has accepted the apology issued by daily news site MalaysiaNow for misleading articles it published in January 2022. 

The articles questioned the RM500 million loan secured from Danajamin Nasional Bhd and did not provide AirAsia the opportunity to clarify the facts or respond to the criticisms raised, said AirAsia in a statement. 

In light of the matter, AirAsia reaffirms that it is committed to becoming the most communicative, responsive, and answerable brand in the region.

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It added that as the company continues to grow and diversify, its primary focus remains on transparency and openness in all interactions with stakeholders, partners and the media. 

“While we accept MalaysiaNow’s apology, this incident underscores the critical importance of accuracy and fairness in journalism. AirAsia is not only committed to transparency but is also striving to become the most communicative and accountable brand in the region. We believe that reporting should be based on full facts and should provide all parties the opportunity to present their side of the story," said Bo Lingam, group CEO of AirAsia Aviation Group. 

"AirAsia has always upheld integrity in every aspect of our business operations. We stand by our actions and decisions, and we will always defend our reputation when it is unjustly called into question. Misleading reports that do not reflect the full picture are not only damaging but irresponsible. AirAsia Aviation Group, as part of Capital A Berhad, has weathered significant challenges and has emerged stronger because of the resilience and dedication of our people. We will always stand firm in defending our values and protecting the hard work that has built this company," added Bo. 

At the same time, the airline invites all media and partners to work collaboratively, upholding the same values of fairness and integrity. 

In its apology, MalaysiaNow said that the articles "did not fully reflect publicly available information and included comments from an aviation analyst who questioned the approval of the loan, the viability of companies such as AirAsia to recover from the effects of the Covid19 pandemic, as well as criticising AirAsia's ventures into other areas of business outside aviation."

It added that it did not approach AirAsia for a response or comment in respect of the matters reported on and the criticisms raised. 

"We should have done so in the spirit of fair journalism and the right to reply. We regret this oversight by MalaysiaNow and apologise for it," said MalaysiaNow in a statement. 

"In line with our commitment to uphold high standards of accuracy and responsible journalism, we have since removed the articles from our platform," it added. 

Earlier in July this year, financial news organisation The Edge found itself in a similar incident where it was served a legal letter from Human Resources Development Corporation (HRD Corp) for two articles it published in July. 

In the demand letter, HRD Corp sought for both articles to be removed and a formal written apology to be published in two English dailies and The Edge's website within 48 hours of the date of letter, said The Edge. 

It also wanted damages for the alleged grievances it claimed it suffered, added the media company. 

In response, chief executive officer and publisher Ho Kay Tat said The Edge "stands by its articles that quoted the findings of the PAC and the AG and will vigorously defend any suits that HRD Corp may file against it."

He added that the issues surrounding HRD Corp are of public interest as they involve money belonging to employers and employees of the country, said The Edge. 

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