Abang Johari denies news report of his son's MYAirline takeover bid

KUCHING: Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg has denied a recent media report that said his son, Abang Abdillah Izzarim, would become a new investor in MYAirline Sdn Bhd, the carrier which has suspended its operations due to financial problems.

Speaking to reporters here today, Abang Johari said the report by the media outlet might be due to the presence of Abang Abdillah in the company's dialogue event in Kuala Lumpur recently.

"No. What happened was that my son went there with his friend, and he attended the town hall session at that time. So they (the media) speculated (after) seeing (him) there.

"My son is put in a difficult position. All his (movements) are being scrutinised by the people. I think this is not fair," he said.

He also dismissed the report about the possibility of MYAirline becoming a Sarawak-owned airline, insisting that the state government is still focused on negotiations to acquire MASWings, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines Bhd.

"We are focused on (the acquisition of) MASWings. (The takeover is) under negotiation now, and it is just about the details. That's all," he added.

-- BERNAMA