KUALA LUMPUR – AirAsia founder and group CEO Tan Sri Tony Fernandes apologised over an incident involving the airline’s Thailand CEO who had used profanity on a female staff member during an online meeting.
He said he believes Tassapon Bijleveld was not being sexist towards the employee as he is known to tick off staff irrespective of gender.
“Of course the language used was not right but I know Tassapon. He would say the same thing to a male staffer,” Fernandes told The Vibes.
Fernandes said he had spoken to Tassapon and the latter realises such behaviour is not tolerated in AirAsia.
“This is not the culture we want in AirAsia. What he did was wrong and he apologised,” Fernandes said.
In a video that has been shared on the internet, Tassapon is heard being apparently rude to the female speaker in a live meeting said to be attended by some 500 people.
Tassapon was heard interjecting the female speaker. At one point, he was heard saying: “What’s your f***ing question, come on,” when asking the woman to get straight to her query.
He also told her to “shut up” when she spoke in Thai.
A Rakyat Post report today said Tassapon issued a video apology two weeks after the town hall.
Fernandes added that everyone was shocked when Tassapon made those remarks and as soon as the call was over, Fernandes called the staff in question to apologise and reassure her.
While stressing that Tassapon’s conduct was wrong, Fernandes said the AirAsia Thai CEO was under immense pressure and he could sympathise with Tassapon.
“People need to understand that airline CEOs have been under immense pressure since the pandemic affected global travel – but it is no excuse,” he said.
Fernandes stressed that the company takes the incident seriously and the matter has been referred to the board of directors.
“The board will investigate and deal with it. He will have to answer for his conduct,” Fernandes added.
He also hoped the recording of the town hall video that went viral will not create a negative perception of the company.
“We are the most diverse organisation around and have been at the forefront of creating a diverse community and a safe working environment.
“Diversity here does not mean just gender and race, but also age diversity where we are focused on youth leadership and senior mentorship.
“We learn every day and we try to be better every day. We continue to improve and while this incident is regrettable, it does not define us,” Fernandes added.
Fernandes said he made a humorous remark to defuse the situation and had asked Tassapon to leave the call.
Meanwhile, AirAsia Group Bhd via its communications unit said it has a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour, and the matter is being dealt with.
“AirAsia Group has a zero-tolerance policy towards inappropriate behaviour of any kind, which is never compromised.
“We are aware of this incident and it was dealt with immediately in the appropriate manner.
“We apologise to anyone affected and will ensure it doesn’t happen again,” the airline told The Vibes. – The Vibes, July 26, 2021
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