Rayani Flight Is More Holy Than MAS

Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB) should not be compelled to follow in the footsteps of Rayani Air by introducing Shariah-compliant policies on its flights, said former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad in an exclusive interview with FMT yesterday.

He said that Rayani Air was merely using Shariah compliance as a profit-making concept.

“We know that the owner [of Rayani Air] is a Hindu. So I guess there is a Hindu who heeds the teachings of Islam. He is making a profit from Islamic teachings. Nowadays, people use all sorts of methods to make a profit, interpreting it as a requirement in Islam.

“No need [for MAB to follow Rayani Air]. From my observation, other airlines from Arab countries too do not use that concept. So why are we trying so hard to show that we are more Islamic than others?” he said when met at his office at the Perdana Leadership Foundation.

” In other Muslim countries where the people are 100 per cent Muslims, they were never asked to stop serving alcohol during flights.

“We have to show that we are more Islamic than them. Women who don’t wear hijab are Muslims too. People who commit sins are Muslims as well. We can’t simply say that someone is not a Muslim. Does serving passengers while wearing the hijab show that one is more Islamic?” the former prime minister asked.

Touted as Malaysia’s first ever “halal” airline, Rayani Air’s Muslim cabin crew wear the hijab and serve only halal food and drinks. Being Syariah-compliant, no alcoholic drinks are served on flights, and prayers are recited before takeoff.