Former Umno information chief Isham Jalil has responded to Anwar Ibrahim's defense of the decision to bring in a company owned by US investment giant BlackRock into a consortium to manage Malaysia's airports. Isham explains that BlackRock's shares in various companies were bought on the open market, while the sale of shares in Malaysia Airports Holdings (MAHB) involves a strategic company owned by the government and the public. The recently announced plan involves BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) taking a 30% stake in a consortium to manage MAHB. Critics argue that involving a foreign partner in MAHB is unnecessary as the company is already profitable. Anwar defends the deal, saying the government cannot cut ties with companies that have relations with Israel as it would affect the country's economy. Isham rejects Anwar's argument and calls it hypocritical, stating that if Malaysia is against genocide, it should not accept money from parties that support genocide. BlackRock has been warned by UN experts to stop arms transfers to Israel and has faced protests for its investments in the US arms industry. Anwar's defense of BlackRock's GIP is similar to his previous stance on defense companies with ties to the Israeli military. Former Umno Youth chief Khairy Jamaluddin warns that Anwar and the government would be complicit in Israel's atrocities if they do not call off the deal with GIP. [479e12e7]
Rejecting investments from BlackRock, linked to Israel, would affect Malaysia's economy and discourage foreign companies. BlackRock has equity investments in 100 listed companies in Malaysia worth RM 24.7 billion. The world economy is dominated by Jews or those with Jewish interests, creating pressure on Malaysia's economy. Severing ties with entities linked to Israel would create a dilemma concerning diplomatic relations with Israel's allied countries. Gradual plans to reduce dependence on companies related to Israel could be made, while strengthening Islamic finance and capital markets. Supporters argue that BlackRock's involvement in Malaysian companies is not new and canceling it would harm the economy. Opposers argue that BlackRock has interests in arms suppliers to Israel and the sale of MAHB shares is inconsistent with Malaysia's stance on supporting Palestinian independence. MAHB is a profitable company, and selling it would affect local people. Malaysia cannot sever ties with all companies and countries linked to Israel due to economic and geopolitical factors. [c25b2b19]