Fazzrudin, who is also Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg’s political secretary, said aviation matters fall under the jurisdiction of the federal government.

“I am perplexed as to why he did not simply reach out to his federal counterpart as it would have been easier with his personal connections to the minister, coming from the same party,” Fazzrudin said in a statement today.

The Gabungan Parti Sarawak (GPS) man also said that, despite initial doubts, there now seems to be support from the opposition for the Sarawak government’s proposed takeover of MASwings.

“This shows that there is support, even from the opposition, for Sarawak to have its own airline due to pressing needs in air connectivity,” he said referring to Chong’s comments.

The Sarawak-owned airline is slated to commence operations in 2025.

Meanwhile, Fazzrudin mentioned that with the takeover, airfares would no longer be subject to a monopoly, ensuring more competitive prices.

Fazzrudin also highlighted that up to 12,000 Sarawakian students benefit from the state’s Graduan Pulang Sarawak scheme for subsidised flights. He said the initiative provides subsidies of up to RM600 twice a year.

Yesterday, Chong issued a statement urging the Sarawak government to provide a clear timeframe for the proposed takeover of MASwings, which he said appears to have been delayed.

Abang Johari was reported in October last year as saying he expected the acquisition of MASwings to be concluded within three months so that Sarawakians could fly with a state-owned airline by 2024.

However, in March he said the state government is expected to finalise discussions with federal authorities on the takeover of MASwings by the end of this year.