Opposition MP urges Audit Dept to probe MAHB deal

PARLIAMENT | An opposition MP has urged the National Audit Department to investigate the selling of Malaysia Airlines Holding Berhad (MAHB) shares to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).

The controversy erupted on May 15 when Khazanah Nasional Berhad announced that the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and GIP - through GIP Aurea Pte Ltd - would form a consortium to acquire shares in the airport operator.

Speaking in the Dewan Rakyat today, Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal (PN-Machang) pointed out that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim is Khazanah’s chairperson as well as the finance minister.

“So what are the issues that these ‘three people’ are discussing?

“Isn’t this the same recipe that caused 1MDB’s failure that all of you (government MPs) were against?” he queried when debating a bill on amendments to the Audit Act 1957 in the august house today.

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

Table sales of M’sia’s strategic shares

Wan Fayhsal called on Putrajaya to emulate Norway’s National Transparency Act in tabling all sales of the nation’s strategic shares in the lower house before making a decision.

“As government MPs, you made it halal. It wasn’t even discussed in the cabinet.

“So I ask the National Audit Department to investigate the sales of MAHB shares to Blackrock and GIP,” he added.

On June 21, GIP said Blackrock would not be involved with MAHB, as the GIP management would still be fully in charge of the company.

That same day, Anwar said talks with GIP had been initiated before Blackrock bought out the former.

He also said that cutting ties with all Israeli-linked companies operating in Malaysia would hurt the economy.

Further, the premier added that Blackrock already has interests in many companies in the country.

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