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BlackRock entity says US firm not part of Malaysia airport deal amid furore over Israel ties
- The plan to privatise Malaysia’s airport operator has come under criticism over GIP’s links to the investment giant’s dealings with Israel
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Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) said its buyer BlackRock will not be involved in privatising Malaysia airports after criticism in Muslim-majority Malaysia over the US firm’s alleged ties to Israel.
GIP, Malaysian sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional and others are part of a consortium that has offered to take over Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) in a privatisation deal that would value the airport operator at US$3.9 billion.
The plan has come under criticism and protests from some ruling party and opposition lawmakers in Malaysia, a staunch supporter of the Palestinians, over GIP’s ties to BlackRock’s significant investments in Israel, which is fighting a war against the militant Palestinian Hamas group in Gaza.
MAHB’s planned privatisation is the latest focus on protests in Malaysia, following boycott campaigns against such Western brands as McDonald’s and Starbucks over the war in Gaza.
GIP said its existing leadership team will “retain full control and responsibility for the strategic direction and operation of GIP and the companies in which we have invested” after its acquisition by BlackRock, state news agency Bernama reported on Friday, citing a written reply from GIP head of transport Phil Iley.
A GIP spokesperson confirmed the Bernama report. Khazanah did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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