Dr Mahathir at the Bloomberg Asean Business Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, on Friday, June 21, 2019. – Bloomberg
KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama): Malaysia is willing to consider selling national carrier Malaysia Airlines Bhd if there is a good offer for the company, says Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
The Prime Minister, however, said that the Government must first ensure the potential buyer is able manage the airline well.
"We have changed their (Malaysian Airlines) leadership many times. Each time we were hoping they would do something to turn around the company but they failed ... so now we want to sell it, but if we sell to people who will fail again, it is not worthwhile.
"We need to be very careful about choosing the buyer," he said during a session entitled "The Future of Malaysia and Asean" with chief international correspondent, South-East Asia, Bloomberg Television Haslinda Amin, in conjunction with the Asean Business Summit in Bangkok, Thailand, Friday (June 21).
Dr Mahathir said there were still various options that could be considered for the future of the airlines including undertaking another restructuring exercise or cash injection from the Government.
"Maybe changing the head once again and maybe restructuring or pumping a little Government money and things like that – there are so many options," he said.
When asked by the moderator on what would be the best option for Malaysia Airlines now, Dr Mahathir said: "If there is a good offer, then we will consider (selling the airlines)." – Bernama