Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said the airline should also not condone such actions by the pilot. — Picture by Saw Siow Feng

KUALA LUMPUR, June 26 — An AirAsia pilot’s purported call for prayers on a Perth-Kuala Lumpur flight that suffered engine problems was unbecoming, according to Datuk Zaid Ibrahim.

In Twitter remarks on the mishap that struck the AirAsia Airbus A330 yesterday, the former law minister said the airline should also not condone such actions by the pilot.

“AirAsia pilot urged passengers to pray on distress Perth flight. Good lord, I much prefer pilot don’t tell me death is imminent.

“Pilot has to give hope, and leave the rest to God and the passengers. If AirAsia are big into prayers; engage proper Iman and priest,” he wrote.

The AirAsia plane was yesterday forced to abort its flight and return to Perth, Australia 90 minutes into the journey, after it suffered an engine problem that caused the aircraft to vibrate “like a washing machine”, according to passengers.

The plane landed safely and without casualties following the 90-minute return trip, although some passengers were reportedly traumatised by the experience.

According to Australia’s ABC news, one passenger claimed the pilot asked everyone to pray on the way back to Perth.

The outlet also reported that affected passengers were offered A$20 vouchers following the incident, and made to queue for hours to get on the next available flight.