‘PLANE DEAL GOOD FOR MAS’
It’s part of reforms in national carrier, says Sharkar
PRIME Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s meeting with United States President Donald Trump is part of Malaysia’s effort to help Malaysia Airlines (MAS) recover from losses suffered during the Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad-led administration, said Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin.
The Pahang Umno Liaison Committee deputy chairman said that this is seen in Najib conveying MAS’s move to buy 16 aircraft from the American aircraft maker during his successful visit to the US last week.
“Najib’s visit to the US is part of ongoing reforms in MAS via its purchase of new aircraft from the US.
“This is due to the problems faced by MAS during the privatisation under the Dr M-led government. The government had to bail MAS out at a high cost.
“Under the Najib-led government and reforms at MAS, MAB (Malaysia Airlines Bhd) has become a respected airline compared with during privatisation,” he said yesterday.
He also slammed Dr Mahathir for criticising the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) investments in the US.
“It is hypocritical for Dr M to criticise the EPF’s investment (in the US). Last time (in 2005), he said EPF should invest overseas,” Sharkar said.
He was referring to 2005 news reports that quoted Dr Mahathir as saying that EPF should invest abroad for higher returns.
He reminded Dr Mahathir that EPF had an obligation to invest money from contributors to generate returns for them.
“The money cannot just stay (in EPF) as it needs to grow (via investments).
“We (government) will make sure that the money is invested prudently,” he said.
Sharkar said the US invitation for Najib to meet Trump showed that the former was a leader widely accepted not only by the US but also other powers, like China, Germany, Russia and India.
“This kills speculations that Najib would be detained by the US,” he said in reference to claims that Najib would be arrested the moment he set foot on US soil last week.
He said under Najib’s leadership, Malaysia had enjoyed better ties with foreign governments compared with during Dr Mahathir’s administration.