Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia Aviation Group’s (MAG) recent acquisition of Boeing aircraft adhered to established procedures and terms, as stated by the Finance Minister’s political secretary, Muhammad Kamil Abdul Munim. He refuted claims from the opposition suggesting that the aircraft purchase involved vested interests.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Muhammad Kamil emphasized that the opposition should not question the purchase, as it aligned with the established approach practiced by previous administrations. He clarified that the process of purchasing aircraft is time-consuming and involves coordination based on pricing and other factors, with recent consensus from all parties involved.

Muhammad Kamil stated, “The process of purchasing aircraft takes time and must be coordinated according to pricing and other factors. It was only recently that all parties agreed to it.” He added that Malaysia’s policy has consistently been to utilize Boeing aircraft, questioning the issue raised by the opposition regarding vested interests, particularly in relation to a supposed meeting arrangement between the Prime Minister and the United States President.

His comments were in response to allegations made by Gerakan president Datuk Dominic Lau. Lau suggested that the purchase of 30 US-made aircraft might have been arranged in exchange for facilitating a meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and President Donald Trump.

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz previously clarified on March 22 that the aircraft acquisition was an investment aimed at strengthening Malaysia’s role as a significant player in the global aviation industry. Tengku Zafrul highlighted that the move also supports Boeing Composites Malaysia, which produces Boeing aircraft structures domestically and employs approximately 1,000 local workers.