The former MAS man who approved billions of ringgit in transactions

Free Malaysia Today

14-05-2025

Former MAS finance chief Suppiah Subramaniam showing airline staff the ropes when computers were introduced in the 1980s. (Suppiah Subramaniam pic)
PETALING JAYA : The pen is mightier than the sword. This adage certainly rang true for former Malaysia Airlines (MAS) finance chief Suppiah Subramaniam during his 30-year tenure with the national carrier.
Suppiah, who last served as MAS's executive vice-president of group finance, was at one point entrusted to approve financial transactions worth hundreds of millions of ringgit – all with a stroke of his pen.
Recalling those historic moments in the late 1980s and '90s, Suppiah said MAS had been rapidly expanding its global routes with the purchase of Boeing and Airbus jetliners.
The carrier had reportedly ordered up to 72 jetliners worth US$3.5 billion in the late '80s and, in the following decade, 25 Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft to the tune of US$3 billion.
'The purchase packages also included aircraft engines, spares, logistics support, and technical and flight-crew training.
'Aviation for the country was booming; so, too, it did for MAS,' he said at the launch of the book 'The Malaysia Airlines We Built' at the Subang National Golf Club recently.
The event was officiated by former MAS deputy chairman Sulaiman Sujak, in the presence of former managing director Kamaruddin Ahmad, former engineering division deputy director Sitham Nadarajah, and MAS Retirees Association president Shulhameed Marican.
The book chronicles MAS's golden era through personal stories, historical insights, and reflections on the collective mission to transform it into a world-class airline.
As the head of finance, Suppiah had had a heavy responsibility to ensure all payments made were not only transparent and accounted for, but air-tight in conforming with strict fiduciary regulations.
Former MAS deputy chairman Sulaiman Sujak officiating the launch of 'The Malaysia Airlines We Built' at the Subang National Golf Club on April 12. With him are (from left) Suppiah, Sitham Nadarajah and Kamaruddin Ahmad. (Adrian David pic)
'There was no margin for error as our accounts were scrutinised by an internal audit department and reputable external chartered accountants.
'This was to ensure there were no malpractices that could lead to corruption and tarnish the reputation of MAS and the country,' said Suppiah, who rose through the ranks as a technical cost accountant in 1973 and retired after 27 years with the carrier.
The 83-year-old was also among those who had been instrumental in the management of the MAS cooperative society that benefited 12,000 employees through loans, insurance, financing of household items, and laundry services.
He recalled that the early years of MAS, which began operating on its own from Oct 1, 1972 following the split of Malayia-Singapore Airlines, had been turbulent and very challenging.
'We had a mammoth task with very limited aircraft and assets in Kuala Lumpur. The staff made sacrifices when relocating from Singapore to kickstart a fledgling new airline.
'Fortunately, Australia's Qantas and New Zealand Airways provided experienced resources by seconding their staff in engineering and flight operations.
'Over time, driven by the team's strong desire to learn through established giants, we achieved rapid success. We were able to quickly produce among the best airline pilots, inflight crews with golden service, and aircraft maintenance engineers.'
Suppiah (right) in conversation with former MAS general manager of flight operations Shulhameed Marican, who is also the president of the MAS Retirees Association. (Adrian David pic)
He noted that many of MAS's in-house talents were later recruited by other airlines for their exemplary services.
Suppiah added that he is proud to have been part of MAS's pioneering team that nurtured the national carrier to become an international icon and award-winning outfit.
'We proved that, as Malaysians, we could successfully build an international brand and showcase the country's capability of moulding a well-respected and talented workforce.'
Meanwhile, Shulhameed said 'The Malaysia Airlines We Built' offers first-hand insights into how Malaysia's homegrown aviation workforce built an airline that once flew across six continents.
'I hope the book will serve as inspiration for future generations, even as we recognise that changes are needed in several areas to keep pace with technological advances in aviation and related sectors,' he said.
The former general manager of flight operations (services and infrastructure) stressed that local talents made up the dedicated team that supported the nation's aspiration for a world-class airline, surpassing the expectations of both Malaysians and the global aviation community.