Anwar vows Malaysia’s airports operator will remain in Malaysians’ hands

A consortium led by Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Bhd and state pension fund the Employees Provident Fund announced on May 15 an offer to take Malaysia Airports Holdings private, in a deal that would value the airport operator at US$3.9 billion.

Anwar told parliament on Tuesday that ownership of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad will remain in Malaysia’s hands through the 70 per cent stake held by Khazanah and the Employees Provident Fund upon completion of the deal.

“MAHB’s chairman and CEO will be Malaysians,” Anwar said in response to concerns that shares of the airport operator would be sold to foreign investors.

Anwar said the privatisation process will continue, adding Global Infrastructure Partners had already stated that BlackRock will not take part in the privatisation deal.