Wan Fayhsal files emergency motion to debate MAHB's share sale

Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal has filed an emergency motion to the Dewan Rakyat, urging an immediate debate on the government’s decision to sell Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) shares to an Israeli-linked company.

This comes after the Khazanah Nasional Berhad announced on May 15 that the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) - through GIP Aurea Pte Ltd – would form a consortium to acquire shares in MAHB.

However, the decision courted flak from various quarters after it was found that Blackrock, a company deemed to have close ties with Israel, is in the midst of acquiring GIP.

Wan Fayhsal (above) said the emergency motion was submitted on June 18, under Standing Orders 18(1) and 18(2), and was received by the Dewan Rakyat speaker’s office on June 21.

In the letter sighted by Malaysiakini, Wan Fayhsal said the matter was of great public interest, noting that a majority of Malaysians condemn the genocide committed against Palestinians in Gaza by the Israeli regime.

“This motion must be addressed in haste as the longer we delay this, the more our government will be linked to the inhumane Israeli regime.

“I hope the speaker would consider this motion and issue an approval (on the matter),” the opposition MP added.

This emergency motion filed by Wan Fayhsal is an addition to the previous two motions submitted on June 7.

Immediate debate

The previous motions were filed under Standing Orders 27(1) and 27(3).

Speaking to Malaysiakini, Wan Fahysal’s private secretary, Meor Naqiuddin explained the emergency motion was submitted as the previous two would only be considered after government affairs are dealt with.

“So, we filed this one under Standing Order 18(1) as an emergency motion so that it would be put to debate immediately,” he added.

READ MORE: KINIGUIDE | MAHB deal: What is GIP and is it linked to Israel?

Yesterday, former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad also questioned why the government was insisting on selling MAHB’s shares to a foreign company despite the latter’s profitability.

“When I heard MAHB was planning to sell shares to an American company, I thought the former was making losses.

“Then I found out MAHB reaped RM543 million in profits last year. Not many companies make profits like this.

“Why sell 30 percent (of the shares) to an American company supporting Israel? I don’t get it. Is there something brewing behind the scenes?” Mahathir asked on X.

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