MAHB deal: Tian Chua urges Anwar to 'make U-turn' for country

Former PKR vice-president Tian Chua has urged the government to change its mind about selling Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) shares to a Blackrock-linked company.

He said it is not unusual for a government to reverse its decisions and hoped that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim would consider doing so on the MAHB issue.

“I hope the government can make a U-turn on this issue, and we really have high hopes for Anwar. Because he had been fighting for the struggle (of Palestinians) since he was young,” Chua (above) said in an interview with TikTok influencer channel Papa Berry Studios.

The former lawmaker said he did not know how the decision came about, whether by the previous administration or civil servants, but noted that it is normal for a government to back out of deals.

“We made U-turns in 2018 in the High-Speed Rail and ECRL (East Coast Rail Link) projects. And those who are familiar with how the government works, you can make a U-turn even after a tender has been opened.

“So why not do a U-turn now for the sake of our country’s interest and the people’s outcry?” Chua added.

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

The former Batu MP, known for his role in Anwar’s Reformasi struggle, was asked to comment on the issue when he visited pro-Palestinian activist M Mythreyar who is on a hunger strike as a sign of protest against the selling of MAHB shares to Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP).

The MAHB shares 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.

The decision courted flak from various quarters after it was found that Blackrock, a company deemed to have ties with Israel, is acquiring GIP.

Anwar, however, defended the decision, saying Malaysia’s economy would be impacted if it were to cancel ties with all Israel-linked companies.

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