Questions mount over push to axe MAHB boss
PETALING JAYA: The government has been urged to clarify its position on Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh, group CEO of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, following reports of plans for his ouster. A key stakeholder of the company, Malaysia’s main airport operator, was reported to have sought Mohd Shukrie’s removal, despite the…
PETALING JAYA: The government has been urged to clarify its position on Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh, group CEO of Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad, following reports of plans for his ouster.
A key stakeholder of the company, Malaysia’s main airport operator, was reported to have sought Mohd Shukrie’s removal, despite the MAHB board’s acknowledgement that he has performed excellently throughout his 20 months in office.
Reports of his possible removal revived fears of a takeover of the highly profitable Subang airport by a private company.
Two politicians, Zaidel Baharuddin of MUDA, and Wan Agyl Wan Hassan of Umno Youth, said the government should provide transparency in this matter.
“Are there legitimate reasons for his replacement or is this a form of reprisal for his opposition to the Subang Airport takeover?,” said Zaidel, the party’s information chief.
“If this isn’t a decision made by the board, who is then calling for his replacement? Why is there a management reshuffle all of a sudden? Is this decision made based on merit or to assert control? Is this related to the Subang Airport fiasco?”
He said while the government has a say in companies it owns and controls, there should be transparency in major changes in the management of MAHB as it is a public-listed company that manages key infrastructure.
“There is nothing nefarious in asking for transparency especially when it involves public money, infrastructure, and in this case decisions that may affect share price. MAHB should be clear and quick in addressing these reports,” he said.
Wan Agyl, information chief of Federal Territories Umno Youth, said the wing was strongly against the rumoured Subang airport takeover as it did not make sense.
WCT Holdings Bhd, whose subsidiary Subang SkyPark operates Subang airport on a concession, was reported to be seeking to acquire and operate the airport until 2092.
However WCT has said the proposal submitted to the government was for a renewed concession and not a plan to acquire the airport, officially known as Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport. The proposal has been panned by transport experts and politicians alike.
“So it is very important for the public to really understand why MAHB’s chief executive must be replaced,” said Wan Agyl, given that Mohd Shukrie was reported to be firm in protecting Subang airport.
“It is in the public’s interest for the shareholders and board to clarify speculation on Mohd Shukrie’s position.”
Wan Agyl also voiced concern on Mohd Shukrie’s supposed replacement not having the relevant experience. The frontrunner to replace Shukrie is said to be the former head of a major media organisation.
“Shukrie with his vast experience in transport, aviation and the logistics business, seems to be the right man to lead MAHB,” said Wan Agyl, adding it would be “absurd” to replace him with someone without industry experience. — Free Malaysia Today