Dr M Open To Takeover Of Malaysia Airlines By Private Sector

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Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.PETALING JAYA: Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad today opened the floor to the public for suggestions on Malaysia Airlines Berhad, including the idea of a private takeover of the ailing airline
He said a detailed study into the problems facing the airline was needed because the previous steps taken to revive it were not sensible
“We cut 6,000 jobs and reduced the number of destinations
“That means the ratio of personnel to the routes being flown is still the same,” he said to a question on the troubled national carrier
He said if anyone makes any offer or suggestion, including the private sector, “we will look into it”
Mahathir was speaking to reporters on the final day of his visit to Pakistan. The press conference was broadcast live on RTM
Mahathir said previously several parties had expressed interest in buying over the troubled Malaysia Airlines
He said the government will decide whether to sell Malaysia Airlines and how to save the airline from further debts
Malaysia, Pakistan to work togetherMahathir said Malaysia and Pakistan could work together in many fields, including the engineering, trade and agricultural sectors, to name a few
“We can buy from them and sell to them.”He said his visit to Pakistan is also to know the country’s capabilities before working together in several sectors
“If they can make military vehicles, then other tasks will not be difficult for them,” he said, adding that both countries are also in talks to manufacture cars
Mahathir says he feels welcome in Pakistan after receiving a good reception from everyone, including Prime Minister Imran Khan
“The prime minister is a pleasant person and he’s a good host. I think there is greater understanding now between Pakistan and Malaysia,” he said
India-Pakistan conflictMahathir also spoke on the conflict between India and Pakistan, stating Malaysia maintains her neutrality and will not support any wars between them
“No, we don’t like any wars. We cannot side with anyone
“Allowing terrorists to have the upper hand is very dangerous. You must stop terrorism.”He urged both sides to stop any acts of terrorism
“When terrorists fight, they just want to take revenge. They cannot conquer. They cannot defeat. So they kill people. You are forbidden to kill people.”His visit to Pakistan comes at a time of estranged ties between India and Pakistan
On Feb 14, a suicide bomber rammed a car into a bus carrying Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir killing 44 in the deadliest attack in decades on security forces in the region, raising tensions with arch-foe Pakistan
Islamaphobia and solidarity rally in KLMahathir said Islamic countries depend too much on developed countries “for everything”, resulting in them having to follow whatever the Western countries want

“Western countries support Israel, so it causes Islamic countries to be afraid to voice out against Israel,” he said, adding that they are afraid Western countries will take action against them. - FMT

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