News analysis

Did AirAsia's boss buckle under pressure or was it just a bad bet?

AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes with former premier Najib Razak, who was ferried from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur on a Barisan Nasional-themed aircraft.
AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes with former premier Najib Razak, who was ferried from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur on a Barisan Nasional-themed aircraft. PHOTOS: NAJIB RAZAK/FACEBOOK, THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
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When AirAsia boss Tony Fernandes walks into a room, heads turn. The Malaysia-born self-made millionaire exudes confidence, is flamboyant, at times confrontational, even melodramatic.

There are many words to describe Malaysia's 30th richest man; pushover is not on the list.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on May 20, 2018, with the headline Did AirAsia's boss buckle under pressure or was it just a bad bet?. Subscribe