Anwar told reporters that the national carrier’s board, sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional, and the government are dedicated to saving the airline “by any reasonable means necessary”.
Khazanah is the sole shareholder of Malaysia Airlines via its subsidiary, Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG).
Earlier in his speech at Khazanah’s 30th anniversary celebration, he said that while efforts to revive Malaysia Airlines have commenced, it will take time.
“The government discusses ways to save the airline almost every week in the Cabinet without fail,” he said.
“I want to tell Khazanah and Malaysia Airlines, that we, as a government, will remain committed to ensuring the success of the airline because it is our national airline and it has to come back to perform.”
Anwar added that he was aware of how Malaysia Airlines’s operational difficulties had been widely discussed in the media and social media recently.
“Sometimes, political decisions lack transparency and give opportunities to one or two cronies to ruin a company that we take pride in,” he said.
“Because of those mistakes, the burden is on us to this day. Do not erase that historical fact.”
Last week, it was reported that the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia had reduced the validity of Malaysia Airlines’s air operator certificate from three years to one year.
The airline’s parent body, MAG, said it was supposed to receive 17 new aircraft this year from manufacturers but only four had been delivered so far.
MAG managing director Izham Ismail attributed operational challenges to global spare parts shortages and delays in engine repairs and overhauls.
MAG also announced that it is cutting flights and routes until December due to recent service disruptions affecting Malaysia Airlines, Firefly and Amal services.
‘Private sector must emulate Khazanah in giving RM3,000 minimum wage’
In his speech, Anwar also called on private companies to follow Khazanah’s example in setting a minimum wage of RM3,000 for their employees.
Anwar, who is also Khazanah chairman, praised the sovereign wealth fund for this progressive initiative.
“I want to extend my highest congratulations to Khazanah Nasional for being a leading organisation that has established a minimum wage of RM3,000 and above for every member of the Khazanah family,” he said.