AS a private company is planning to acquire Subang Airport, a veteran unionist urged the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to probe the proposed takeover.
“The authorities should investigate the plan to ensure there is no hanky-panky. Plus, why is the deal being done secretively?
“Where is the transparency and accountability in this?” UNI-Malaysia Labour Centre (UNI-MLC) president Datuk Mohamed Shafie BP Mammal asked, when contacted by FocusM.
Last week, Subang Skypark Sdn Bhd (SSSB), WCT Holdings Bhd’s wholly owned unit is proposing to enter a new concession to operate the entire Subang Airport area until 2092 – developing it to be a city airport.
Tycoon Tan Sri Desmond Lim Siew Choon is planning a takeover of the airport, but key Government-linked stakeholders are objecting the move, claiming estimated losses of up to RM11.9 bil.
SSSB is believed to have made the proposal to the Government via the Transport Ministry. The company plans to turn Subang airport to target point-to-point passengers and express freight together with related property developments.
“Subang airport will grow to 7.5 mppa (million passengers per annum) and will operate turboprops, small jets, helicopters, drone/air-taxis and freighters,” SSSB pointed out.
Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) opposed the move, claiming the plan will jeopardise Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) and local aviation sector negatively in the long-run as it will affect the management of 18 short take off & landing ports (STOLPORTS).
“MAHB uses its profits to maintain airways to small islands and rural areas in East Malaysia to send essential goods, medicine and even newspapers as these places are inaccessible by roads and river.
“So, if the privatised Subang airport eats up MAHB’s profits, STOLPORTS will be affected, leaving people living in those rural area in a lurch,” its central committee member Sharan Raj told FocusM then.
Dump SSSB, MAHB unions demand
On May 6, several unions sent a memorandum to MAHB chairman Datuk Seri Zambry Abdul Kadir, voicing opposition to the proposed acquisition.
In the document sighted by FocusM, the unions called the proposed takeover as being done in bad faith and only benefits a select few, at the expense of MAHB and Subang Airport workers.
“Subang Airport continues to contribute to our economy and helps channel profits to 39 other local runways, in solidarity with MAHB and not for the benefit of any vested interest.
“The airport is also considered a national heritage and private acquisition will jeopardise its standing and affect staff members, especially during this tough economic time,” they added.
The unions also called SSSB as “wolf in sheep’s clothing” for bypassing MAHB in making the proposal and urged the latter to dismiss the former as its partner.
“Let MAHB alone manage the Subang airport,” they opined.
The memo was signed by MAHB Workers’ Union (KESMA), MAHB Sarawak Workers’ Union (KEPEMAB), and MAHB Sabah & Labuan Workers’ Union (KEPMAS).
In solidarity with the MAHB unions, Shafie said the Transport Ministry cannot ignore the voice of the workers as it was not fair to them.
“They are key stakeholders to the whole process and the ministry must engage them. The way I see it, someone is trying to bypass MAHB and its employees,” he opined. – May 10, 2021
To view the memo, please click here: Memo by MAHB Unions
