Parties involved in the construction and operation of the KL International Airport 2 (KLIA2) are urged to prioritise national interest to ensure its opening on May 2.

Acting Transport Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said interested parties should cease finger-pointing but put national and the people’s interest first by meeting the stipulated operational date.

“They themselves picked the date, not the government because it is a private commercial venture. So, they must be responsible even if they disagree.

“I had been promised the operational date of May 2 can be met,” he said when met by reporters after a visit in conjunction with a gotong royong and distributing aid to villagers in Kampung Sri Jambu, Kajang in Kajang yesterday.

He said this when asked to comment on the statement made by AirAsia Group chief executive officer Tony Fernandes in his Twitter account related to the construction of KLIA2.

In the meantime, Hishamuddin said a roundtable conference to discuss national aviation policy, national interests and the direction of the industry was held recently and attended by companies involved in the sector.

“The conference on security and airspace was a discussion session and not for finger pointing or to see who is to blame.

“It is a platform to discuss related matters in ensuring at least there is a landmark to see the national agenda as top priority.

“As long as I am with this ministry, this is my way of ensuring that nobody can place self interest above national or public interest,” he added.

- Bernama