QUESTION 1 AA Sdn Bhd (AASB) is a medium-sized travel agency that has been in operation for a decade. The company is well known for its solid track record of success since its establishment. AA provides premium tailor-made business trips and customers with comfortable, affordable, and practical packages. Thus, AA has a strong brand name to create many loyal customers compared to its competitors. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, AA's business operations were severely impacted, with almost no sales and, thus, a drastic decrease in revenue. Another travel agency, MM Sdn Bhd, is in the same situation where its cash position has dramatically declined. Nevertheless, MM can get bulk deals for any travel package with local and international airlines and other suppliers. MM also could access almost everything available for the traveller using an e-traveller business application. As a result, the CEOs of both companies have met to discuss and plan to merge to gain synergies. The CEOs of both companies believe that by taking these initiatives, they will be able to survive in the industry for a more extended period. Anyhow, one of AAs' board directors, En Ahmad, feels insecure about planning a merger between the two companies due to his personal interest. Therefore, he proposed a strategic alliance between the two companies, believing the strategy would be better. a) Discuss THREE (3) reasons why En Ahmad feels insecure if the top management decides to merge with MM Sdn Bhd. (10 marks) b) Justify with THREE (3) relevant reasons that strategic alliances could be a preferable strategy, as suggested by En Ahmad. (10 marks)