AIRASIA Group CEO Tony Fernandes’ apology to Malaysians over his pro-Najib Razak pre-GE14 video has drawn mixed reactions on social media.

On Fernandes’ Facebook page, some social media users are saying his explanations were mere excuses and sorry just didn’t cut it.

“I listen for less than 5 (minutes), I stopped. All I heard are excuses,” Soo Min Vai commented.

The Facebook user also cheekily remarked that she could not wait for Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin to come out with a video to say he regretted joining Barisan Nasional (BN) and wanted to cross over to Pakatan Harapan (PH), the opposition coalition that has finally made it to Putrajaya.

“Please… grey area? Just stop saying you are doing it for us… yeah. If BN (had) won, I guarantee you would not have come up with this video!

“You are a businessman. PH will be running the government under the laws of the country. So you don’t need to worry anymore! No need to polish anyone’s shoes anymore,” she said.

Subash Mahadevani asked Fernandes what if his video had influenced the outcome of the elections.

“You’re a public figure. You’re a billionaire. You should have stepped up. You shouldn’t have used your popularity to prop up someone like Najib. There is no excuse,” he said.

Sharifa Ali thanked Fernandes for putting up the apology video to clarify his position, which she said took him a “considerably long time”.

“Sooner would have been better. Yes, 120 flights were at stake and your baby was at stake, but it’s wrong for you to mention you were neutral in that video. You were not, Tony.

“And again, if BN had won, I think this video wouldn’t have appeared and perhaps the BN government would have given you more benefits?

“Well no matter what, damage has been done and Malaysians are ever forgiving, but flying with AA (AirAsia) is not my choice,” she said.

Kuhanesh Arul said Fernandes had lost his respect over the earlier video that endorsed the BN administration and the ousted prime minister.

Describing the earlier video as “distasteful” and “supportive of kleptocracy”, he also said listening to the billionaire “made him sick”.

“If BN had won the elections and remained the ruling government, you would have soaked up the credit and made further billions endorsing a kleptocratic govt.

“This (latest) video was necessary to prevent the market reacting negatively when your stock tanks tomorrow when KLSE opens,” he said.

The Facebook user, who also called Fernandes an opportunist, added that the people had also spoken about his actions and it would take more from Fernandes to make him consider listening and believing him again.

“The richer and more successful, the greedier you get.”

Damien Thanam also thought Fernandes’ latest video was to help his company’s stocks.

“Perfect timing Tony, just before the market opens tomorrow.

“Aren’t you pissed that after all the blue-ing of your aircraft & crew, DS Najib and his wife opted for a private jet for the short break to Indonesia!

“Anyway, those are some serious allegations Tony. I know MACC is open tomorrow, walk in with AA’s red pride!”

Ramesh Ruben Louis said Fernandes might be forgiven but not forgotten.

“Rafizi sacrificed his life to uncover the truth… didn’t cave in to pressure! You could learn a thing or two about principles from him, Tony,” he said, referring to the PKR politician who is looking at jail time for exposing the National Feedlot Corporation scandal.

Lewis Gan said he would never understand Fernandes’ situation, as he did not own a multimillion dollar company, but Fernandes had lost both his integrity and dignity.

“Hope you can gain them both back with much respect with the help of AirAsia.

“P.S. Still speechless you make it blue. Keep the red because it means huat (prosperity). Cheers,” he commented.

In the Facebook video today, Fernandes explained that he “foolishly” thought the earlier video would appease the former federal administration, as he had been pressured by the former prime minister’s office to sack AirAsia X chairman Rafidah Aziz, who had criticised BN and campaigned for PH.

He said he had refused to remove Rafidah, believing that it was not right.

He also revealed that he faced pressure for putting out 120 extra AirAsia flights to fly 26,000 voters home to vote in GE14. He said the move was unpopular and within 24 hours of the announcement, the airline was summoned by the Malaysian Aviation Commission to cancel the flights.

Some Facebook users who reacted to Fernandes’ latest post were more forgiving and understanding.

Wong Aun Ee said it took the man courage to admit his mistake and change things moving forward.

“I believe in you, Tony. No matter what views you hold, you are always my hero. Fully understand the situation you were in,” Shin Chze said.

Mei Lim thought it was “the only logical and right business decision to support the government of the day in order to continuing to enable millions of people to fly”.

Brad Tree still regarded Fernandes as a “nice gentleman and a responsible businessman”.

“Not many businessman would care to explain like you did. Not many of them would care about us,” he said.

Another Facebook user Samuel Ng’s take on the situation was the need to reform the government.

“Otherwise, this PH govt will use the same institutions and bullying techniques to make life difficult for captains of our industries.

“Will PH now penalise Tony and Stanley Tai of Supermax and reward Lee Kim Yew of Country Homes?! The test is now set for the PH government – don’t fail the rakyat,” he said.

Tai, the former Supermax Corporation Bhd managing director, reportedly apologised to Najib for his involvement in Malaysian politics last month. He said he regretted getting involved in the 13th general election and believed that he had been influenced by the opposition.

Lee is the major shareholder of Country Heights Holdings Bhd. He rose to prominence during Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s previous tenure as prime minister. – May 13, 2018.