The recent announcement by Cathay Pacific and Malindo Air on the waiver of rebooking fees in the event of 14th General Election should be a celebration for the push of a better democracy. Instead of receiving flak by Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan, this should be seen as a positive development for Malaysians that want to fulfill their democratic rights to vote in the upcoming General Election.
Now the question remains to be seen is whether airlines such as Malaysian Airlines and Air Asia will follow suit? Or will they instead receive flak by Barisan Nasional leaders? These two airlines have the highest volume of Malaysian passengers and waiving off rebooking fees would be really significant.
Apart from the aviation industry, it would also be significant if ground transportation services will also provide discounts on fares for interstate travel to enable Malaysians to head to their respective hometowns to cast their votes.
Prime Minister Najib Razak who was recently proclaimed as the ‘Father of Low Cost Air Travel’ should support positive efforts by various sectors to enable Malaysians to perform their democratic rights instead of making things difficult just for the sake of holding onto power.
The push for a better democracy should be the responsibility of all quarters and efforts taken should be celebrated.