KUALA LUMPUR: Khazanah Nasional Bhd’s decision to appoint Christoph Mueller as chief executive officer (CEO) of Malaysia Airlines new company (MAS NewCo) is in line with the 12-point MAS Recovery Plan, which includes a global search for the best candidate to revamp the airline.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Abdul Wahid Omar said Mueller’s appointment was in accordance with Khazanah’s long-term plan to turn around MAS.
“We leave it to Khazanah to pick the best talent to spearhead MAS’ turnaround. After all, the responsibility to make this a success has been given to Khazanah because it is injecting RM6 billion into MAS.”
He was speaking on the sidelines of the launch of Celcom Axiata Bhd’s 1Malaysia Training Scheme, here, yesterday.
News of Mueller’s appointment had been B2criticised, in that Khazanah should have opted for local talent to lead the national airline.
Mueller is the CEO of Irish national carrier Aer Lingus and has been credited with turning around the airline after years of losses.
Meanwhile, Celcom CEO Datuk Seri Shazalli Ramly declined to comment on his appointment to the board of MAS NewCo.
“I am a board member effective January 1. For now, let’s stay with Celcom and I will make my comment when I am already an official board member,” he said.