As a council member, Malaysia will have a voice over the industry to chart the future of aviation sector, in terms of policies and directions
by AFIQ AZIZ/ pic by TMR File
THE government seeks to retain its position in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) council — the United Nations’ (UN) main decision-making body for the civil aviation industry.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke (picture) said the decision would help Malaysia position itself to be the aviation hub in the region, and preparing the country to achieve a high-income developed nation status by 2020.
Addressing more than 50 ambassadors and high commissioners from ICAO country members, Loke asked for their support and votes to ensure Malaysia remains the representative for the Asia-Pacific region.
“It is important as it would be our avenue in the UN’s body which is globally recognised. As a council member, we will have our voice over the industry to chart the future of aviation sector, in terms of policies and directions,” he told reporters after attending the meeting in Kuala Lumpur yesterday.
The election for the 2019-2022 term will be held in conjunction with the 40th session of the ICAO General Assembly from Sept 28 to Oct 14 in Montreal, Canada.
Loke said should Malaysia succeed, it will be the nation’s fifth consecutive term on the council after first being elected to represent the region since 2007.
In 2007, Malaysia was elected to be the Council of ICAO in “Part III” with 12 other countries.
In the last round of elections in 2016, the country received 129 out of 172 votes, cast by eligible voting member states at the 39th ICAO General Assembly.
Among the members that joined the category in 2016 were Algeria, Ecuador and Turkey — grouped as countries representing the region geographically. Malaysia and the Republic of Korea was representing the Asia region.
This year, about 16 countries are expected to submit their candidacy to fill up 13 seats as ICAO members under Part III category.
Malaysia’s aviation sector is expected to be bullish in the near future as the country’s main airport operator, Malaysia Airport Holdings Bhd (MAHB), is projected to surpass the 100 million mark of passenger number this year, maintaining a conservative growth rate of 3.5% year-on-year.
Loke said the efforts to be reselected is also well-aligned with Malaysia’s commitment to upholding ICAO’s international standards and recommended practices.
“Our financial contribution extends to regional initiatives, such as the Cooperative Development of Operational Safety and Continuing Airworthiness Programme, South-East Asia, and the Cooperative Aviation Security Programme, Asia Pacific.
“In support of ICAO’s various priority areas, particularly its safety and security programmes, Malaysia will contribute US$50,000 (RM205,700) to the ICAO’s African Aviation Security and Facilitation Plan, as well as another US$50,000 to the ICAO’s Aviation Safety and Security Fund.
“On top of that, Malaysia will contribute US$100,000 for ICAO Environment Fund in support of green aviation. All these contributions have been approved by the Cabinet and we are in the middle of channelling them to ICAO,” Loke said.
Commenting on the continuous spat between MAHB and AirAsia Group Bhd, Loke said the issue will not jeopardise Malaysia’s chance to be elected in the council.
“It is a more domestic matter. What is important at this ICAO stage is how we play our role and responsibility and I believe, we have a good track record,” he said.
“Malaysia always provides the right assistance and contribution at the global stage, such as to developing countries in establishing their aviation sector,” the minister added.
There are 193 members in ICAO, consisting three parts of the council. Part I consists of 11 member states and represents chief importance in global air transport, which is held by leading nations in the aviation market including the US, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy and Japan.
Part II comprises 12 member states which make the largest contribution to the provision of facilities for international civil air navigation, including countries like Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain and Singapore.
Overall revenues for the aviation industry is forecast to climb to US$824 billion next year, from US$754 billion seen in 2017, supporting some 65.5 million jobs over the globe.
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