Najib: No truth to Malaysia currying favour with US over purchasing Boeing planes

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak shaking hands with Boeing Chief Executive Officer Kevin McAllister (right) at the Memorandum of Understanding Exchange Ceremony between Boeing and Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) today. Also present MAB Chief Executive Officer Peter Bellew (center).

WASHINGTON D.C.: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said there is no truth that Malaysia is trying to curry favour with the President Donald Trump's administration with MAS purchase of Boeing planes and EPF investing in the United States

The Prime Minister regretted negative spinning of Malaysia's potential investment in the US and allegations that it would not anything in return.

"It is not one way street, they are spinning it as if I am here to buy US influence. That is another very negative spinning which is not true at all.

"When we buy Boeing planes we are turning MAS into a competitive airline. When other airlines have dreamliners, we must also have dreamliners.

"This is the transformation of MAS, rationalisation of MAS which is working," he told the Malaysian media at the end of his working trip to Washington on Wednesday.

During his bilateral meeting with Trump on Tuesday, Najib said  Malaysia intended to increase the number of Boeing planes to be purchased by Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB).  

He also revealed the Employees Provident Fund, with US$7bil investment in the US currently, intended to invest additional US$3bil to US$4bil to support infrastructure redevelopment in the US.

Asked on EPF investment the Prime Minister said the EPF was a prudent investor and they will never invest unless they get the minimum return.

"They apply very strict standards and criteria. As long as the EPF  is profitable and able to pay good dividend thats what matters.