PETROLIAM Nasional Bhd (Petronas) president and chief executive Wan Zulkiflee Wan Ariffin has been appointed the new chairman of Malaysia Airlines Bhd (MAB), Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said today.

Succeeding Wan Zulkifli at the national oil company is Tengku Muhammad Taufik Tengku Aziz, who was Petronas’ executive vice-president and chief financial officer.

Both appointments are effective from June 1, Muhyiddin said in a statement this afternoon.

“The challenging economic situation requires a few government-linked companies (GLCs) to face the new normal.

“The government is reviewing the leadership of a few GLCs to streamline policies so as to achieve country’s socioeconomic objectives,” Muhyiddin said. 

News of Wan Zulkiflee’s supposed resignation went viral on social media yesterday. He had been with Petronas for 37 years and became its president and CEO five years ago.

His contract for the post was renewed for three years from April 2018, meaning his departure comes ahead of schedule.

Petronas had earlier today refused to comment on Wan Zulkiflee’s departure.

https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/251538

Muhyiddin praised Wan Zulkiflee for his work in building up the national oil company to become the only GLC listed on Fortune’s Global 500. 

“I believe that under his leadership, MAB can be restructured and will be poised for growth as a resilient national carrier under good management,” the prime minister said. – June 6, 2020.