Not currying favour with Trump, says Najib

THERE is no truth to the claim that Malaysia is currying favour with US President Donald Trump’s administration through the Malaysia Airlines Bhd purchase of Boeing planes and increased EPF investments in the United States, said Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The Prime Minister regretted the negative spin of Malaysia’s potential investment in the United States and allegations that it would not get anything in return.

“They are spinning it as if I am here to buy US influence. That is another negative spin which is not true at all.

“When we buy Boeing planes, we are turning Malaysia Airlines into a competitive airline. When other airlines have Dreamliners, we must also have Dreamliners.

“This is the transformation of Malaysia Airlines, the rationalisation of Malaysia Airlines, which is working,” he said at the end of his working trip to Washington, DC, on Wednesday.

He said the airline was now in a position to buy modern planes which would be good for the company.

Najib explained that it was the same with the EPF, whose investments would get returns to its members in Malaysia.

Asked about the EPF’s investment in the United States, he said the fund was a prudent investor.

“They apply strict standards. As long as the EPF is profitable and able to pay good dividends, that’s what matters,” said Najib.

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.