Power rests with the people in MAHB shares acquisition debate - Puad Zarkashi

SHAH ALAM - Umno Supreme Council member Datuk Dr Mohd Puad Zarkashi has claimed that the government has the authority to annul Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a firm associated with Blackrock's acquisition of 39 shares in Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB).

He alleged that Blackrock, a significant backer of the United States military-industrial complex, aids Israel in perpetrating genocide against Palestine.

Puad highlighted a fundamental distinction between the Apple brand and Malaysian airports, stressing that power rests with the people, not the government.

"In the case of Apples, power lies with the people, not the government.

"It is up to the people to boycott, just as they boycott McDonald's, KFC, KK Supermart & Superstore Sdn Bhd (KK Super Mart), and Starbucks.

"The problem is airports are strategic assets. They are our sovereignty. In tactical warfare, airports are the main targets to be captured or destroyed," he said in a Facebook post on Tuesday.

Two weeks ago, the Gateway Development Alliance (GDA), comprising Khazanah Nasional Berhad (Khazanah), the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), GIP, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), unveiled a proposal to acquire shares in MAHB, not held by Khazanah and EPF.

Under a joint venture, GIP Aurea, GIP and ADIA will join the consortium.

If finalised, Khazanah and EPF will control 70 per cent of MAHB, with GIP Aurea holding the remaining 30 per cent.

Puad expressed concern that such actions might facilitate adversaries in undermining sovereignty.

"We do not know what will happen in 50 years and 100 years.

"Professor Saul Takahashi, who served with the United Nations in the Office of the Palestinian Territory, is puzzled by Malaysia's stance.

"Where is the country's humanitarian morality?" he questioned.