Thursday, June 24, 2021

UMNO, PKR against Subang airport takeover

Puchong, 24 June: They say Tok Mat is more popular among Malaysians than in his own party. I think it is easy to see why. The Umno No 2 spends little time politicking (not to say that he doesn't dabble at all) and more time addressing issues that affect not just his party members but the people. Mohamad Hasan's take on the takeover attempt of LTSAAS, involving a rich few and ministers in the Cabinet, is timely, compelling, a breath of fresh air. If politicians can balance their penchant for wine, women and themselves with an honest interest to overcome the struggle and suffering of the rakyat, this world will be a better place.

Hats off also to the PKR MP (How will takeover benefit Subang airport strategic plans?). for coming out boldly to support the workers' cause. 

p.s Who said Umno and PKR can't work together for the people's interest?


Mat Hasan supports airport workers’ protest against Subang takeover plan

KUALA LUMPUR, June 23, 2021: The protest by airport workers against a proposed takeover of the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (LTSAAS) in Subang has gain the attention of Umno deputy president Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.

Mohamad, in a Facebook post today, expressed his support for the Malaysia Airports Workers Union (Kesma), which on Monday threatened to go on strike over the matter.

He said the government should not consider the proposal as the airport is a strategic asset own by Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB), which is a government-linked company entrusted with the people’s interests.

He stressed that the proposal to hand over the airport to rich individuals could be harmful to national interests.

“Many have forgotten that the LTSAAS is the nearest airport to Kuala Lumpur and other major cities such as Shah Alam, Klang and Petaling Jaya. We have lost the airport in Sungai Besi.

“In the event of a national emergency, LTSAAS is the nearest airport that we could utilise for emergency missions, humanitarian assistance, and evacuations. Due to this strategic interest, the airport should remain as a government’s asset,” he said.

Mohamad said the government should be transparent on any such proposal as the people have the right to be informed as they were the actual main stakeholders of LTSAAS.

He also advised the government not to be swayed by profit projections by private entities, especially since the proposal to take over the airport was made by a property developer with no real experience in air transport industry

He also called on the government to accept MAHB’s ‘Regeneration Plan’ for the airport which will double the number of global and local aviation operators there to more than 100 from the current 35.

The takeover of the airport was proposed by WCT Holdings Bhd, through its subsidiary Subang Skypark Sdn Bhd for the acquisition and rights to operate the airport until 2092.

Critics of the proposal have warned of possible losses of up to RM11.9 billion.

The airport is one of 39 currently being managed by MAHB.

MAHB group chief executive officer Datuk Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh had said that a comprehensive strategic plan for the long-term development of LTSAAS has been submitted to the government.

He also stated that MAHB has sufficient internal cash reserves to execute the project, which requires infrastructure investment of RM300 million staggered over the next five years. - The Mole

Read also whatSharan Raj had to say in (\PSM backs MAHB unions, calls for Subang airport deal to be scrapped

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