Local and Foreign Firms Eye Malaysia’s National Carrier

Local and foreign firms are keen to buy Malaysia's national carrier, Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB), says Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. He said the government was still going through its options. "There are certain parties who are interested to buy the airline, so we don't reject the possibility of selling. The government will consider whether to change the airline's management, downsize or expand it." The airline has had two foreign CEOs leave before the end of their contracts since it was taken private by sovereign wealth fund, Khazanah Nasional in 2014.

Mahathir said they have hired foreign management but MAS, referring to Malaysian Airlines former acronym, still faces losses. "I love MAS. I want MAS to be a national airline, but it looks like we cannot afford it." Earlier, the PM had said the government was contemplating whether to shut, sell or refinance the airline and they would come up with a decision soon.