Kota Kinabalu: Warisan has questioned why Datuk Suhaimi Nasir is attacking the Sabah government’s previously repaid RM300 million loan to AirAsia, while remaining silent over a RM700 million loan to Sabah Development Bank (SDB) that was written off under the former Barisan Nasional administration.
“Why target a RM300 million loan that has already been fully repaid, yet ignore the RM700 million that was written off when BN governed Sabah?” said Warisan Supreme Council member Alias Sani in a statement on Friday
He said Suhaimi should base his political attacks on facts instead of creating misleading narratives on AirAsia’s promotional fares offered to help Sabahans return home to vote.
Alias stressed that AirAsia is a private airline and has never been under the influence or control of Warisan President Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal.
“To suggest that Shafie had anything to do with AirAsia’s ticket pricing policies is baseless,” he said.
Alias added that the RM300 million loan was extended during the pandemic when the aviation sector faced collapse while government support ensured the airline continued operations and preserved employment.
“Thanks to that assistance, AirAsia today maintains over 1,000 employees in Sabah alone, not counting those based in the peninsula,” he said.
He noted that Sabah now enjoys 14 new international routes from destinations including China, Vietnam, Jakarta, Japan, Singapore and Manila, contributing to tourism and trade growth.
Alias further clarified that the promotional fares currently offered are AirAsia’s own initiative and available publicly.
“To make it appear as if Shafie instructed the airline is simply inaccurate,” he said.
Alias said criticism must be consistent and rooted in truth, especially as the state election draws near.
“Statements about airfare and government support should be grounded in facts, not used as political ammunition,” he added.
