KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition lawmakers are adamant that the sale of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd’s (MAHB) shares to foreign entities is a threat to national security, as it involves access to data of travellers to Malaysia.
Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayshal Wan Ahmad Kamal said the Prime Minister had failed to explain to the Dewan Rakyat how Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), one of the foreign firms involved, will have access to this data once the deal is done.
“The Prime Minister did not explain to the public that according to a statement by GIP a few days ago, the company said that it will play a role as technical partner and be involved in airport management,” Wan Fayshal said.
“The security issue that was raised by the Paya Besar MP and myself was related to the ownership of the in and out data of travellers at the airport by GIP and BlackRock,” he told reporters.
GIP is in talks to be sold to BlackRock, a US investment firm with alleged business in Israel and the deal has been criticised by Perikatan Nasional leaders as contradictory to Malaysia’s stance in the Israel-Gaza war.
Under the privatisation deal, GIP and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority will hold a 30% stake while 70% will be owned by Khazanah Nasional Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund.
“Why won’t the Prime Minister withdraw this move? Or at least delay the decision and make way for it to be debated in the Dewan Rakyat?” Wan Fayshal said.
Putrajaya MP, Datuk Dr Radzi Jidin, who was also at the press conference, questioned why the government was allowing a foreign company to be in charge of the country’s strategic assets.
“This matter involves national strategic assets. If the reason for the move was because MAHB is uncompetitive, the operator has actually achieved over 90% capacity, the aerotrain will be completed soon and there are many other achievements.
“Why is the government so desperate to sell the shares in a block of 30% to GIP?” he said.
Later, Wan Fayshal asked Deputy Speaker Datuk Ramli Mohd Nor what avenues MPs can use to debate the motion on BlackRock.
In response, Ramli said that more time was needed for Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul to decide on the matter.
“The Speaker has received two motions under Standing Orders 18(1) from Machang on Monday.
“There has not been any decision just yet, please wait for the Speaker,” he said.
