Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg speaking to reporters in Kuching on Thursday (Oct 12). - ZULAZHAR SHEBLEE/The Star
KUCHING: Sarawak is not interested in taking over low-cost carrier MYAirline but is focusing on its acquisition of MASwings Sdn Bhd, says Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg.
The Premier dismissed speculation linking his son as a potential investor in the financially-troubled MYAirline, which announced it was suspending operations effective Thursday (Oct 12).
ALSO READ: MYAirline suspends operations from Oct 12, Mavcom to assist ticketholders
"What happened was that my son went with his friend to attend a dialogue, so people speculated (about it).
"This put my son in an awkward position. It's difficult for him to go anywhere, wherever he goes people will observe him. I don't think that's fair," he told reporters after opening Taiyo Yuden (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd's new factory here on Thursday (Oct 12).
Abang Johari was responding to a news portal's report on Monday (Oct 9) that MYAirline could become Sarawak-owned as his son was present at the airline's public dialogue on the matter.
The report also claimed that Sarawak was expected to own a 65% stake in the airline.
ALSO READ: MYAirline suspends operations, says due to 'significant financial pressures'
Refuting this, Abang Johari said Sarawak's focus was on acquiring MASwings.
"It's still under negotiations now (to finalise) the details," he said, adding that this had nothing to do with MYAirline.
It was previously reported that the state government would sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) on the acquisition of MASwings.
This is a follow-up to its meeting with MAG's main shareholder Khazanah Nasional Bhd on July 7 and the MOU signing on the acquisition of rural air services between the state and Federal governments on July 20.
Prior to that, the state government agreed in principle to take over MASwings as a way to establish its own boutique airline.
