[publius911]

There is one problem: the recordings were "edited" leading many to wonder if the entire conversation wasn't fabricated on a sound stage, and if so: why? And just what is the Malaysian government (either alone or in conjunction with other countries) hiding.

Nothing so complicated as all that. It seems to be genetic and immutable in Oriental cultures : Saving face.
That's why I would never trust my life, or even my health, on a "professional" Oriental. This MH370 business typifies the entire problem. It is childish, it is primitive, and has no role whatsoever in the 21st Century.

I never have, and never will avail myself of any Oriental transportation company. In the air, on land and on the sea.

[HMS Surprise]

I agree with your assessment of certain Asian cultures being problematic in certain capacities, Korean pilots being the most glaring example, but I doubt that this problem is indicated here.