AIRASIA would not have existed without Pahamin Rajab, Tony Fernandes said on the passing of the co-founder of the budget airline.

“It is with great sadness that one of the original co-founders of @flyairasia passed away on a flight to London. There would be no AirAsia without Datuk Pahamin. Was a great Malaysian, a true patriot and a great friend,” Fernandes, chief executive officer of Capital A Bhd, AirAsia’s parent company, wrote on Instagram today.

He said although they did not see each other much, Pahamin was always in contact and supportive.

“We will come up with a fitting tribute. RIP my dear friend and look over us from your final resting place,” Fernandes said. 

Capital A executive chairman Kamarudin Meranun, another co-founder of AirAsia, also took to Instagram to convey his condolences. 

“With deep and great sadness, I received the news that our beloved father-like, brother, friend and former chairman of AirAsia or now known as @flyairasia had just passed away last night,” he wrote.

Pahamin Rajab died of heart failure while on a flight to London last night. He was 77.

Pahamin was the secretary-general of the Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry from 1998 to 2001 and the Road Transport Department director-general from 1974 to 1998. – Bernama, July, 2023.