KUALA LUMPUR, Members of parliament must not issue statements that mislead elected representatives and the public regarding BlackRock Inc's ownership of shares in Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP). Howard Lee (PH-Ipoh Timor) took issue with Datuk Awang Hashim's (PN-Pendang) claim today in the Dewan Rakyat that BlackRock already had 100% ownership of GIP. "In Standing Order 36(12), members cannot issue statements that mislead the House." 'Speaker, ask him to retract the statement. It is known that factually, the sale has yet to happen. Don't use the House's privilege to lie and mislead the public. This is the tactic of the Opposition,' he said during a debate on the Auditor-General's report. As announced in January, GIP's takeover by BlackRock is expected to be finalised in the third quarter of 2024. Recently, GIP head of transport division and GDA (Gateway Development Alliance) director, Phil Iley, in an interview with Bernama, explained that BlackRock was never involved in any transaction regarding Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB). BlackRock reportedly recognises GIP's expertise in infrastructure-related investments and after the transaction is finalised, GIP's existing management would retain full control and responsibility for the strategic direction and operations of GIP and the companies under its investments. Source: BERNAMA News Agency