PM questions opposition's logic over GIP's acquisition of MAHB shares

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has taken a swipe at the opposition regarding the Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) shares issue with Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).

Speaking at his monthly gathering with the Prime Minister’s Department today, Anwar said he does not understand the opposition’s claim that GIP will take over the airport.

He noted that Khazanah Nasional Berhad and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) would still be major shareholders.

“Before this, Khazanah and EPF had a 41 percent share. However, with the transition, 70 percent of the shares will belong to Khazanah and EPF.

“The opposition argues that even with 30 percent, they (GIP) can take over. I don’t know how they count,” he said.

The MAHB shares controversy began on May 15 when Khazanah revealed that the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and GIP, through GIP Aurea Pte Ltd, would form a consortium to acquire shares in the airport operator.

The decision faced criticism from various parties after it was discovered that Blackrock, a company perceived to have ties with Israel, is acquiring GIP.

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

During a Dewan Rakyat session on June 25, Anwar defended the deal and told the opposition that cancelling all Israel-related deals sounds good but is unrealistic.

Elaborating further on the 30 percent MAHB shares, he said not all of them would belong to GIP as the company is collaborating with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia).

“The alliance between Adia and GIP is strong, and they have collaborated within GIP to manage the airport jointly,” he added.

Anwar also revealed that GIP was chosen for its expertise and for meeting strict Khazanah and EPF regulations.

“Khazanah told me that 140 bids were received, but only five were selected.

“However, there are strict conditions imposed by Khazanah and EPF that deter many foreign companies from getting involved,” he said.

Unjustified claim

Anwar said he respected differing opinions on the matter but emphasised that labelling the transaction as selling the airport to a pro-Israel company that harms Muslims is unjustified.

“We have the right to disagree on who should manage it. Claiming that we are selling to a pro-Israel company that kills Muslims is an irrational sentiment,” he added.

As the Palestine genocide continued, Anwar reaffirmed to the public he had never been deterred from speaking about the war when meeting with world leaders, including US President Joe Biden and China Premier Li Qiang.

“Sometimes people are too emotional about Gaza. It’s not that I don’t sympathise with them, I just can’t bear it anymore. It’s too painful.

“Believe me, we strive our best during every visit of mine abroad or those who visit here, I have never failed to speak firmly about Gaza,” he said.

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