I REFER to Ms Ong Yi-Ling's letter (ST, Feb 16) on the alleged assault on one of our cabin crew by a passenger, and her concerns about the way SIA described it as a 'personal matter'.

The comment was made in response to a question concerning proceedings before the courts. Singapore Airlines abides strictly by the sub-judice convention; that is, we do not publicly discuss matters before the courts, in particular when the airline is not, formally, a party to the case.

Singapore Airlines adopts a zero tolerance approach to assaults on our staff in the course of their duty. Where an allegation is made, the airline will support a decision by the staff member to refer the complaint to the police. We also provide reasonable support to staff to seek other remedies if a prosecution cannot be made.

I am sorry that some readers may have drawn an alternative view from our need to abide by the sub-judice convention.

Stephen Forshaw
Vice-President Public Affairs
Singapore Airlines