The MAS pilots have a clear advantage over western pilots; The Malaysian currency is pegged to the dollar. They are protected against currency fluctuations as the rate between the Dirham and Ringgit is fixed.
If the Malaysian gvt decides to depeg, and if (as most seem to believe) the Ringgit is undervalued, they could be looking at an instant pay cut of 10-40%.
Pure speculation, but there are strong rumors they may let the Ringgit float sometime this year.