UMNO's top leadership seems to be facing a significant rift over the proposed sale of Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) shares to a company linked to BlackRock. This disagreement highlights potential cracks in the party's unity at a critical time.
Recently, UMNO Deputy President Dato' Seri Mohamad Hasan publicly voiced his disagreement with the deal, stating that UMNO Ministers had expressed their concerns in the cabinet. However, just two days later, UMNO President Dato' Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi contradicted Hasan's statement, suggesting that Hasan's comments were personal views and not reflective of the party's official stance. Zahid, who also serves as the Deputy Prime Minister, aligned UMNO's position with that of Prime Minister Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim, emphasizing that rejecting all Israeli-linked companies and deals could harm Malaysia's economy.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has maintained that the rejection of such deals could have negative economic consequences, suggesting a pragmatic approach to foreign investments. However, this stance has not sat well with certain factions within UMNO, particularly given Malaysia's longstanding support for the Palestinian cause.
The tension between UMNO's top two leaders has sparked speculation about internal power dynamics. Last year's cabinet reshuffle, which saw Mohamad Hasan moved from the Defence Ministry to the Foreign Ministry, was seen by some observers as a demotion, potentially indicating friction within the party leadership.
UMNO Youth, led by Dr. Muhamad Akmal Saleh, has also expressed strong opposition to the deal, urging the government to halt the sale of MAHB shares to a company involving BlackRock. Akmal argued that the transaction contradicts Malaysia's support for Palestine and could compromise national interests by aligning with parties perceived as sympathetic to the Zionist agenda. He stressed that national solidarity should be demonstrated through actions within the country, not just international declarations.
The sale of a 30% stake in MAHB to a consortium involving BlackRock via Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) has faced widespread criticism. Former UMNO Youth Chief Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar has echoed these concerns, suggesting the decision should have been brought to the cabinet. He believes that UMNO Ministers would likely oppose the sale due to its inconsistency with the government's pro-Palestinian policies.
In response, Mohamad Hasan has called for a review of the decision, although he acknowledged that the transaction is already in advanced stages. He emphasized the need for Khazanah Nasional Berhad, the state-owned investment fund, to carefully evaluate such significant decisions, given its role under the Ministry of Finance.
Amid these internal disputes, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has reiterated his administration's stance against allowing Israeli companies to operate in Malaysia. However, he noted the difficulty in barring foreign companies with indirect ties to Israel, as doing so could adversely affect the national economy.
Dr. Akmal acknowledged the potential economic repercussions of canceling the sale but argued that alternative investors could be found. He pointed out that the national economy has previously weathered significant policy changes, such as the cancellation of the High-Speed Rail project and the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax.
The ongoing debate within UMNO underscores the broader challenges facing the party as it navigates complex economic and geopolitical issues. The divergence in views among its top leaders raises questions about the party's cohesion and strategic direction moving forward.
By: Kpost
Information Source:
MalaysiaNow , Malaysiakini , Umno , Nst
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