Condolence to the family of the deceased.
As with any organisation under financial pressure, sytemic problems will crop up. I am not surprised at all, sadly, I predict many more accidents will happen.
The cream of the engineers have left and are happily working in Singapore, Australia and the Middle East. Those that stayed are not so creamy, overworked and underpaid, ingredients for low morale and poor productivity. We're flying with too many yellow stickers and I dont see the situation improving. Engineering is not getting their numbers right (where to get quality engineers with the kind of salary we're giving), the Quality Assurance Department is weak and the DCA is not really keeping an eye on things. Flight Ops through Tech and Dev and Flight Safety must insist that the aircraft be up to specs and fully serviceable for safety's sake. Pygmie, now you got "power", you must ensure your men get properly maintained equipment.
Again, this was a case of procedures not being followed. Remember the last one where engineering procedures were not followed, we nearly lost a B777, todate the only accident without a hull loss (in MAS). And you know what? Engineering never learn, they still put financial considerations ahead of safety.
After Catering, this is one division that needs an audit. Maybe management needs a signal, like one more Tawau.
Whatever it is, you guys play it safe. A chewing by the Fleet Manager for not accepting a "serviceable" aircraft "offered" by Engineering, is better than being in the newspapers for the wrong reasons. Lets make a stand and tell the new Engineering boss that enough is enough, he's got to settle his Divisions problems and not allow it to translate into problems for the flight crew.
Sayonara.......
