This is typical of many airlines where the local pilots union do not want expats . They agree to some , but demand poor T&Cs . Kenya Airways did the same a while back.
The economy class thing started in 92 when I joined MAS but we found ways around it .
Pity really, because MAS and Malaysia can be a brilliant place to fly . I am now 60 , looking for new contracts , would love to go back , but 52 year max is ridiculous , even the Chinese and Turks are reconsidering this . Turkish are already upping their pay by 20% , this is payback time guys. I would give my right arm to base at Kinabalu on the NG which I am currently flying in the sandpit.