Critics of the decision are against BlackRock’s participation in the MAHB privatisation exercise through Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), which BlackRock is in the process of acquiring in a multi-billion dollar deal struck early this year.
BlackRock has been accused of “profiteering from genocide” through its stakes in US defence companies that allegedly manufacture weapons used by Israel.
“It does not make sense to involve BlackRock in our economy,” said Mukhriz at the ‘Reject BlackRock’ forum at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall here.
“As a sovereign nation that values our independence, regardless of the government or prime minister in power, Malaysia needs to maintain a clear and consistent stance that we have upheld for decades.
“Since (first prime minister) Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia has been very vocal at the United Nations in support of Palestine and in opposition to Israel.
“We are witnessing foreign powers using their economic strength to force us to take a certain stance (by) supporting these war crimes against humanity.”
Mukhriz warned the government that if it fails to heed calls to block BlackRock’s involvement in MAHB, the public might take to the streets to ensure that their voices are heard.
Khazanah Nasional and EPF will privatise MAHB through a consortium called the Gateway Development Alliance.
Khazanah’s stake in MAHB will increase from 33.2% to 40%, and EPF’s from 7.9% to 30%, giving Malaysian investors a 70% stake in the airport operator. The remaining 30% will be held by the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) and GIP.
On Monday, Channel NewsAsia reported that a finance ministry official said the government can no longer renege on the privatisation plan as a formal offer has been made, adding that the “train has left the station”.
At today’s forum, Nazari Ismail, chairman of BDS Malaysia, which promotes boycotts against Israeli interests, urged the government to study the boycott movement against BlackRock which US students supporting Palestine have carried out.
He said American students supporting the Palestinian cause have been targeting BlackRock and calling for divestment from the firm.
He said the government should take a similar approach in boycotting the company instead of cooperating and “inviting” GIP to invest in the consortium.
“This will destroy the reputation of the prime minister and the country as the number one supporter of Palestine,” he said.