Editor's note: This article has been retracted by Bernama. At 6.42pm today, Bernama carried the following note to editors:

ATTN EDITORS: Bernama is retracting the story slugged "Fernandes-AirAsia" on AirAsia's request. There will not be a replacement story.

Malaysiakini is a subscriber of Bernama's syndicated news service.

Later this evening, AirAsia issued the following statement.

We refer to Bernama’s news report with the headline ‘Tony Fernandes May Leave AirAsia, No Timeline Set’, published on 8 December 2011 at 5.29pm (GMT +8). We wish to clarify that the report is inaccurate, and at this point of time already removed from the agency’s website.

Tony Fernandes’ statement was made only in reference to his aspiration and expectation of the quality of his successor, should he decides to retire in the future. However, our group ceo does not have any plans to relinquish his leadership of the company any time ‘soon’ as suggested by the article.

The article also mentioned a statement made by Fernandes saying “…the three of us have plenty of things to do.” This is clear indication that Fernandes, along with AirAsia chairperson Aziz Bakar and deputy group ceo Kamarudin Meranun, will continue to pursue more opportunities with the airline and endow the company with their leadership for many years to come.