A company involved in the setting up of the country's newest budget carrier, Malindo Airways, has links to Rompin MP Jamaluddin Jarjis, says Petaling Jaya Utara MP Tony Pua.

Malindo Airways is 51 percent owned by National Aerospace and Defence Industries (Nadi), which in turn is owned by four entities.

One of these entities is DZJJ Sdn Bhd, in which Jamaluddin's 27-year-old daughter Nur Anis and 25-year-old son Ikhwan Hafiz are directors, Pua revealed today.

Ikhwan Hafiz is also a significant stakeholder in Advanced Air Traffic Systems Sdn Bhd (AAT), which supplied equipment to the National Air Traffic Control Centre (NATCC).

NONEDJZZ has a 10.5 percent stake in Nadi, which is controlled by a low profile businessman, Ahmad Johan, who also controls Airod Sdn Bhd, an aircraft repair and overhaul company operating at the Subang Airport.

The Finance Ministry holds a 5.7 percent stake in Nadi, which includes a golden share, while another 5.3 percent stake is held by PAB Nominee Sdn Bhd.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby today, Pua said the prime minister and the transport minister should explain Jamaluddin's hand in the Malindo Airways deal.

Mounting issues over deal

Pua said an explanation was necessary in view of the mounting issues surrounding the deal.

Pua on Oct 1 revealed that Nadi could be in breach of the Companies Act 1965 for failing to file its audited accounts since Dec 31, 2007.

"I also want the prime minister and the Ministry of Transport to answer whether MOT gave Malindo Airways the licence because of JJ's (Jamaluddin's) connections.

"Despite Nadi failing to submit its audited accounts and Lion Air banned from flying in the European Union, why is Malindo Airways still able to obtain a licence?" Pua asked.

Shah Alam MP Khalid Samad, who was also present at the press conference, queried how Jamaluddin's two children were able to own so much equity at their age.

According to Companies Commission of Malaysia (CCM) documents provided by Pua, Nur Anis and Ikhwan Hafiz jointly owns 100 percent of DZJJ.

"Shouldn't the MACC be interested in finding out where they got their money from?" Khalid asked.

Malindo Airways is scheduled to begin operations in May next year. It is also aiming to build a low-cost carrier terminal in Malaysia.

Jamaluddin, the former science, technology and innovation minister, currently serves as 1Malaysia Peoples' Housing (PR1MA) chairperson and is also Malaysia's special envoy to the United States.