Malaysia Airlines’ future hangs in the balance as Mahathir Mohamad’s government weighs four proposals to save carrier

In 2014, two tragedies struck: one flight disappeared en route to Beijing with 239 people on board, and another was shot down over Ukraine, killing 298

Earlier this year, sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Berhad, its sole shareholder, demanded the carrier produce a strategic plan for survival

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Four proposals have been received, mostly from local companies, who have offered to either buy a stake in Malaysia Airlines or manage it. Photo: Reuters

Published: 4:34pm, 9 Jul 2019Updated: 4:43pm, 9 Jul 2019

Plans for the future of Malaysia Airlines are being considered by the government, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told reporters on Tuesday.

Four proposals have been received, mostly from local companies, who have offered to either buy a stake in the flag carrier or manage it, Mahathir said. He did not name the companies that sent in the proposals.

“We must find somebody with experience,” Mahathir said.

Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. Photo: dpa

Malaysia is exploring ways to salvage the financially troubled airline. Sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Berhad, its sole shareholder, demanded the carrier produce a strategic plan earlier this year, after the fund poured in 6 billion ringgit (US$1.5 billion) to make it profitable.

Privately held Weststar Group and Jentayu Danaraksa Sendirian Berhad have been among the suitors for Malaysia Airlines, according to local reports.