Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has urged Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) to prioritise national and Bumiputera interests following reports that the firm is considering divesting its toll road assets under Projek Lintasan Kota Holdings Sdn Bhd (Prolintas).
In a statement, Anwar said he had taken note of the strategic review PNB is conducting on its investment in the Prolintas group.
He said as an institution entrusted with safeguarding national and Bumiputera interests, PNB must maintain its role and holdings in the country’s strategic assets.
“Therefore, I urge PNB to prioritise national and Bumiputera interests in any decision it makes (on the matter).
“This review should not proceed if it compromises the long-term benefits of unit holders or adversely affects PNB’s efforts to contribute to the welfare of the people and national development,” said Anwar, who is also finance minister.
On Thursday, IJM Corporation Bhd confirmed that it had submitted a proposal to acquire PNB’s highway assets.
Group CEO and managing director Lee Chun Fai said the company was invited to participate in the request for proposal.
PNB is reportedly exploring the disposal of its toll road portfolio under Prolintas, which owns the Sungai Besi-Ulu Kelang Elevated Expressway (SUKE) and Damansara-Shah Alam Elevated Expressway (DASH), as well as its 51% stake in Prolintas Infra Business Trust.
In July, IJM and AFA Prime Bhd were reportedly among the parties interested in PNB’s highway assets.
