Can Mavcom realistically block the MAHB-GIP deal?

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Mavcom's Ability to Block the MAHB-GIP Deal Remains Unsubstantiated

Perikatan Nasional (PN) MPs have insisted that the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) should be retained, asserting it possesses the capability to prevent the share sale agreement between Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), which is being acquired by BlackRock Inc. This stance was articulated by PN's transportation portfolio head and Bersatu's Jerantut MP, Khairil Nizam Khirudin, who argued that Mavcom requires further study, particularly in light of the potential MAHB share sale. Machang MP Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal echoed this sentiment, stating that Malaysians opposing Israel's actions in Palestine should oppose the deal and that Mavcom, as the "economic regulator to MAHB," could indeed block it.
PN MPs' Stance on Mavcom's Role

PN lawmakers have consistently advocated for the retention of Mavcom, viewing its continued existence as a crucial safeguard against the MAHB-GIP deal. Khairil Nizam Khirudin expressed that the dissolution of Mavcom was premature and warranted more thorough consideration, especially given the developing situation surrounding MAHB's shares. This perspective suggests that Mavcom, in its current form, is perceived by PN as an essential regulatory body capable of intervention in significant transactions involving national airport operators.
Allegations of BlackRock's Links to Israel

A central theme in the PN politicians' criticism of the proposed deal revolves around alleged links between BlackRock and Israel. This connection has become a focal point for opposition, with Wan Ahmad Fayhsal Wan Ahmad Kamal explicitly linking the call to oppose the deal to the broader sentiment against Israel's actions in Palestine. The implication is that a transaction involving entities with such alleged ties should be scrutinised and potentially halted on ethical and political grounds.
Attempt to Block Mavcom's Dissolution

PN MPs made a concerted effort to prevent the dissolution of Mavcom by calling for a bloc vote during the second reading of the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom) (Dissolution) Bill 2024. However, this attempt was unsuccessful, with the Bill passing with 93 votes in favour compared to 63 against. Prior to this, PN lawmakers had also urged Transport Minister Anthony Loke to postpone the Bill for a review by a parliamentary special select committee, indicating a sustained legislative pushback against the commission's dissolution.

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Can Mavcom realistically block the MAHB-GIP deal?

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