SHAH ALAM - Pas welcomes AirAsia’s new policy allowing female cabin crew to wear the hijab, describing it as a progressive move that respects the religious identity and rights of Muslim employees.
The party highlighted that the decision aligned with Malaysia’s Muslim-majority context and public expectations for a more inclusive workplace rooted in local values.
Pas information chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari said while the change came after many years, it remained a positive development and sets an important benchmark for inclusivity in professional spaces.
He added that the policy benefits not only AirAsia but could serve as an example for other airlines in Malaysia and abroad.
“The delay may have been influenced by factors such as global branding strategies, international marketing considerations and concerns over maintaining a uniform corporate image.
“Nevertheless, AirAsia’s willingness to listen to its employees and the wider community reflects an important shift towards embracing local values,” he told Sinar Daily.
He said Pas believes the government should continue providing guidance, suggesting that proper regulations and consultation can help companies recognise the importance of respecting religious rights while still maintaining professional standards.
Fadhli also said AirAsia’s decision demonstrates that religious inclusivity can be incorporated without undermining professionalism or service standards in the aviation industry.
“AirAsia has sent a clear message that professionalism and faith can coexist. It affirms the importance of recognising diversity and religious rights in modern workplaces.
“Pas regards this as a moral and symbolic victory that may encourage more Muslim women to pursue aviation careers worldwide,” he added.
Selangor Pas Youth chief Mohamed Sukri Omar echoed the sentiment, highlighting the broader constitutional and cultural significance of the decision.
He described it as a positive step that affirmed the rights of Muslim women to practise their faith confidently in the workplace.
“Pas believes it aligns with the Federal Constitution’s guarantee of religious freedom and reflects the identity and values of Malaysia’s majority population.
“I see this development as strengthening inclusivity and respect for diversity within the corporate sector. Pas also acknowledges that every organisation has its own processes, challenges and corporate considerations; that global narratives about aviation industry norms may have contributed to the slower adoption of such policies.
“Over time, sustained feedback from employees and society helped move the company towards a more respectful and equitable approach. Although the change took time, Pas emphasises that the important outcome is improved support for workers going forward,” he said when contacted.
Sukri encourages Malaysian corporations to adopt policies that respect all recognised faiths, involve employees in shaping workplace guidelines and value local cultural and moral standards.
He added that the decision carries a broader message about dignity, identity and the right of Muslim women to uphold their beliefs even in globally visible professions.
“It could encourage more women to pursue aviation careers without feeling forced to choose between faith and profession, marking a meaningful move towards normalising cultural and religious diversity in professional spaces,” Sukri said.
Earlier, AirAsia announced that it has refreshed its cabin crew uniform policy, now permitting female staff to wear the hijab while on duty, with the new option reflecting the same design previously available on routes such as Jeddah.
The move allows cabin crew to serve passengers while expressing their faith, setting a precedent for other airlines and reinforcing that professional excellence and religious observance can coexist.
The updated policy builds on the airline’s existing focus on professionalism, safety and comfort while giving employees the confidence to represent AirAsia in ways that aligned with their beliefs.
By embracing diverse views and practices, the airline aims to evolve alongside its workforce, demonstrating that respect for individual beliefs is integral to both its culture and continued success.