KUALA LUMPUR: Despite facing financial woes, Umno still owns Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) and has not sold it off, as rumoured.
As reported by newsportal The Malaysian Insight, Putrade Property Management Sdn Bhd clarified that Gerbang Perdana did not purchase the building.
Previously, Gerbang Perdana managing director Yahya Abdul Jalil was appointed to Putrade's board, leading to rumours that PWTC was sold to the company.
Putrade CEO Shamsul Kamar Ahmad said Yahya was merely assisting as a board member, affirming the Umno headquarters still belonged to the party.
The Malaysian Insight also asked Yahya for comments in which he said he was on the board in his personal capacity and not as a representative of Gerbang Perdana.
"I have the experience and I am on board to help PWTC, which already has its own team. I will give my input to the team and help with management," Yahya was quoted as saying as he informed that his appointment was based on his experience in building management.
Commenting on the state of PWTC following Umno's loss in the 14th General Election from its seat of power, Yahya said PWTC was doing fine.
He remarked that there were still companies interested to hold events at the centre and affirmed that Putrade has a solid base.
While there was competition from other convention centres within the nation's capital, Yahya said they have to work hard and reposition PWTC to attract business.