KUALA LUMPUR — Putrajaya has received four proposals to take over the ailing Malaysia Airlines (MAS), says Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

The Malaysian Cabinet has yet to reach a decision on the offers for the national carrier, he added.

“There is no decision but only offers and proposals to buy. We are studying all the proposals. There are many ideas,” he said at the technical and vocational education and training conference in Putrajaya on Tuesday (July 9).

Dr Mahathir was responding to former AirAsia chairman Pahamin Ab Rajab and five of his partners who have expressed an interest in taking over the ailing national carrier.

Mr Pahamin said his consortium is looking at taking a 49 per cent stake in the airline, and Khazanah Nasional 51 per cent.

Dr Mahathir said the government has to study all the proposals carefully as MAS has failed in the past. 

“We have to study it carefully. Because they has been many changes made but it did not happen.

“We must find someone that has experience (managing airlines). There are many local companies (looking to take over).”  

He also said that managing an airline won’t be easy as there is competition. 

“Now, we have to compete with low-cost carriers. Many people use low-cost carriers so it’s not easy.”

Mr Pahamain and his partners recently made an offer for MAS through their vehicle, Najah Air.

They would not seek any assistance from Khazanah, MAS’ sole shareholder, nor from the government, he said.

“My partners can get the money. Then people will come and invest. We are talking to local and foreign institutions. We are also talking to those who will be doing the due diligence.

“We will (ask to) have the right to manage without interference from the government.”

He also assured that the MAS’ brand and name would be retained and it would remain an international airline. THE MALAYSIAN INSIGHT