Why GIP? PM Anwar explains

Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) were the five suitable consortium deemed suitable to participate in the privatisation exercise of the Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) explained Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

This was out of 145 companies that initially applied to take over MAHB.

“Other companies wanted management rights, including the roles of chairman and CEO. These terms were not accepted (by Khazanah and EPF), which is why GIP was chosen,” he said during Prime Minister Question Time.

GIP is set to own 30% of MAHB’s shares with the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

Meanwhile, Khazanah will increase its ownership of MAHB from 33.2% to 40%, and EPF from 7.9% to 30%.

GIP’s bid came under fire due to its links to BlackRock a US firm with close ties to Israel.

On a related note Anwar said the exercise would not involve selling MAHB.

Who brought about this question of selling? The question was not raised at all.

“The president, chief executive officer are Malaysians, so is the entire operations of MAHB, they are all Malaysians,” Anwar said.

Our (government’s) decision (to stop trade) is with Israel-based companies. Firms like Apple, Microsoft, Nvidia all have Israeli interests. Should we cancel all trade with them?

“That would sound good to people’s ears… but it would not be realistic to do so. I’ve also discussed the matter with Hamas leaders and they had no issues with it (Malaysia working with these companies).”

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