THE Opposition wants the government to clarify the issue of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) share sales, claiming the public is still confused over the issue.
Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut) said an explanation on the issue would also ensure confidence among investors.
“Someone needs to be responsible for the decision to sell off the shares. If the government fails to make it clear to the public, it will affect investors’ confidence,” he said when debating the motion of thanks on the royal address.
Hamzah pointed out that the matter had been raised by his side of the political divide since last year.
“The response that my fellow lawmaker (who brought up the issue) got was that it was merely rumours,” he added.
According to reports, Gateway Development Alliance Sdn Bhd, the consortium of three entities offering to take over MAHB, had announced that it now holds about 1.58 billion shares representing 94.47% of the total number of issued shares in the airport operator.
MAHB is majority-owned by UEM Group Bhd (a wholly-owned subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional Bhd) and the Employees Provident Fund, who together have a 70% interest in GDA.
GIP Aurea Pte Ltd, a joint venture between Global Infrastructure Partners and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, owns the remaining 30%.
Hamzah also raised the plight of padi farmers, questioning why the government was not helping them.
“If targeted subsidies could be implemented for the rising cost of diesel and palm oil, it can also be done with regard to padi farmers and consumers. Listen to their grouses,” he said.
He suggested that the Prime Minister hold a meeting with the relevant ministries to find a suitable scheme to resolve the issue.
Ahmad Tarmizi Sulaiman (PN-Sik) interjected Hamzah’s debate to raise the issue of “cartels” controlling the rice industry.
“It seems the government is not brave enough to fight these cartels that monopolise the rice industry,” he said, pointing out that last year, the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living deputy minister had announced that the Malaysian Competition Commission will table its report on the issue of monopoly of the rice industry.
Until now, the report has yet to be tabled, he added.
To this, Hamzah said he had asked the Prime Minister for an answer and was told to wait till next week for it.
“So to Sik (Ahmad Tarmizi), I will also say wait for a week for the answer from the minister,” he said, drawing chuckles from the opposition bench.
Ahmad Fadhli Shaari (PN-Pasir Mas) also asked when the report on supposed cartels within the rice industry would be released.
“Last December, it was said that the report is at the final stage and will be published early this year. A month has already passed and there’s no word on it,” he said.