Ragad Waleed Alkurdi - Sarawak's new 'First Lady'

Ragad Waleed Alkurdi, a Syrian by birth and an air stewardess by profession, has finally met her prince charming. And it's none other than Malaysia's flamboyant, fabulously wealthy Sarawak chief minister - Taib Mahmud.

Parents of daughters all over the world will be delighted with this piece of news. For far too long, many people have been derisive of girls who have decided to become air hostesses. They have claimed that it is ‘not a proper job’. Others have looked down on the profession and said that it is just ‘waitressing in the sky’. There is nothing wrong with waitressing or waiting on people, for that matter. The problem is envy.

Those who are condescending about air stewardesses begrudge them their travel, the opportunity to stay in some of the world’s finest hotels, the ability to interact with different peoples from all over the world, the chance to shop in some of the world’s most famous shops, the exposure to the cultures of many countries and of course, business opportunities with international connections.

On the downside, there has been talk that air hostesses have problems forming close relationships because of their non-routine lifestyle. Others claim that many air hostesses have been involved in broken marriages. It is true, however, that bringing up a family is difficult especially when there are young children.

It does not matter where the girls live; it could be Labuan, Nibong Tebal, Parit, London, New York or Paris, they can still become air hostesses. The new life ... travel, meeting interesting people, including VIPs, must be a boon for modern girls.

One of Kuala Lumpur’s urban myths is that the ratio of women to men is 8:1. Parents must be wondering how to find eligible husbands for their daughters. They are shocked by reports that many young girls are happy to have relationships with married men.

In cities like Singapore and London, many Datuks have been seen in casinos cavorting with ‘sweet young things’ who have been flown on ‘business class’, into these cities for ‘business’; whereas, wives never accompany hubbies who are ‘on business’

If the ground crew at the various airlines were able to talk freely, their revelations would be cause for first wives to start divorce proceedings.

Nothing beats the resourceful woman. If she has excellent health, the ability to speak clearly, an acceptable standard of education and is reasonably young, a few years as an air hostess may give her a head start in life.

It they can cultivate their poise, tact and ability to interact comfortably with strangers whilst remaining calm in stressful situations, they have a far better than average chance of attracting the eye of some very rich and powerful men.

Thus, Ragad Waleed Alkurdi is not alone. The Sultan of Brunei's former wife was an air stewardess. The mistress of the Crown Prince of Thailand is a former air hostess who now resides in Germany.

So, no one should be envious of these women’s new found fame and riches; however, they may wish to accompany their husbands whenever they go overseas. One does not want dear hubby to have to make the difficult choice again, of “Coffee, tea or me?” - Malaysia Chronicle