Oilman takes over MAS top job

It is understandable for the people in the cool highlands of Bario in Sarawak to be on cloud nine. Idris Jala, a local boy from the Kelabit community, was yesterday named as Malaysia Airlines (MAS) managing director and chief executive officer. Little-known Idris, who is Shell Malaysia Gas and Power vice-president and Shell Middle Distillates Synthesis (SMDS) Malaysia Sdn Bhd managing director, will assume his new post on December 1. The appointment comes barely a month after Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Dahalan resigned from the hot seat.
The 47 year-old Idris is aware of the crucial task ahead to pilot the national carrier through one of its turbulent times. The company posted a RM280 million loss in the second quarter. In a statement issued by MAS yesterday, Idris said: "As I am not from the airline industry, I will have to learn fast. I will do my best to work with everyone at MAS. I believe the key to a business turnaround lies in unleashing the talents of everyone".
Starting his career with Shell in 1982 as an industrial relations officer, Idris rose from the ranks and also had stints at various Shell units and postings overseas in the Netherlands, Sri Lanka and Britain.