Airport workers union ‘shocked’ over changes at MAHB

 

MAHB group CEO Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh, whose contract was to run until the end of next year, has resigned from his post.

KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysia Airports Workers Union (Kesma) has expressed shock over the premature departure of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) group CEO Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh who resigned from the post yesterday.

Shukrie’s resignation came just hours after former Media Prima group managing director Iskandar Mizal Mahmood was appointed as the airport operator’s new managing director.

Kesma president Hussin Shahar said the union is still reeling from Shukrie’s sudden departure.

“We had hoped for his contract to be extended for another term at least,” he said of Shukrie, whose contract was supposed to run until the end of next year.

Kesma president Hussin Shahar.

Hussin added that the union held the former group CEO in high esteem for his leadership, particularly in his management of the airport workforce during the pandemic.

“Not a single one of our staff has been let go to this day,” he told FMT.

“Until now, all the staff are still working with Malaysia Airports, mostly from home, and are still paid their full salaries.

“Shukrie is one of the best people to manage this problem (caused by Covid-19) in Malaysia.”

In a statement yesterday, MAHB said Shukrie had decided to leave to pursue other opportunities. His resignation takes effect from Oct 24. Iskandar’s appointment comes into effect on Oct 25.

The resignation comes following an FMT report that a key stakeholder had sought Shukrie’s removal despite the board’s acknowledgement of his performance.

Reports of his possible removal revived fears of a takeover of the highly profitable Subang airport by a private company. - FMT