PAS MP retracts ‘gangster leader’ remark against Loke

PAS MP Awang Hashim suggested that the power previously held by Mavcom to independently decide on regulations for the industry would be transferred to the transport minister once it was dissolved.

PETALING JAYA: A PAS MP was today ordered to retract his use of the term “gangster leader” against transport minister Loke Siew Fook.

Pressed by Dewan Rakyat deputy speaker Ramli Nor, Awang Hashim (PN-Pendang) finally relented and withdrew the “unparliamentary” words.

Awang had claimed that Loke could become a “gangster leader” with the dissolution of the Malaysian Aviation Commission (Mavcom).

Mavcom’s dissolution is part of efforts to place its functions under the purview of the Civil Aviation Authority of Malaysia (CAAM), creating a single aviation regulatory agency.

Awang suggested that the power previously held by Mavcom to independently decide on regulations for the industry would be transferred to the minister once the commission was dissolved.

“We do not want that power to be transferred to the minister, turning him into some sort of tycoon for the cartels.

“This means the minister will become a ‘gangster leader’ in this country. He will become a ‘thug head’ (ketua samseng) or mafia head,” he told the Dewan Rakyat when debating the 2024 Malaysian Aviation Commission (Dissolution) Bill.

In response, Jimmy Puah (PH-Tebrau) raised Standing Order 36(6) which prohibits members of the house from “imputing improper motives” to any other member. He said Awang’s use of the term “gangster leader” was “unparliamentary”.

Ramli, agreeing with Puah, then asked Awang to retract his use of the term “gangster leader”.

Awang retorted: “All I’m saying is, if Mavcom is dissolved, its powers will be transferred to the minister. The minister will then have full authority, as mentioned … so I just want to protect the minister from these gangsters.”

Ramli, however, doubled down and urged Awang to retract his comments.

Awang gave in and said he would retract his use of “mafia” and “gangster leader”, but substituted them with “chief villain”.

Earlier, Awang claimed that the move to dissolve Mavcom was to “legitimise” Global Infrastructure Partners’ (GIP) participation in a consortium to privatise Malaysian Airports Holdings Bhd.

Mavcom’s dissolution, Awang said, was to ensure there was “no interference” by the commission in the deal.

GIP and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority are set to own a 30% stake in MAHB under the exercise. Meanwhile, Khazanah will increase its ownership of MAHB from 33.2% to 40%, and EPF from 7.9% to 30%.

Dissolution nothing to do with MAHB deal

Loke, in response, denied that Mavcom’s dissolution had anything to do with the MAHB deal.

He stressed that as the exercise had yet to be concluded, Mavcom’s approval had not been sought.

“Once the exercise is carried out, it will be referred to Mavcom for approval. If there are any issues, Mavcom will not approve it,” he said.

Based on a check by FMT, Section 54 of the Mavcom Act prohibits mergers that may result in a substantial lessening of competition in any aviation service. This includes instances where one or more firms acquire direct or indirect control of another enterprise.

The bill was subsequently passed with 93 MPs voting in favour and 63 against. A total of 66 MPs were absent.