Malaysian Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad says the national flag carrier Malaysia Airlines could still be sold off.
This is one of a number of options still on the table, he said.
There is a growing impatience in government circles at the lack of real progress in the airline’s fortunes five years after two devastating accidents left in on the brink.
A state funded rescue package and management changes have not had the desired effect.
"We have changed their (Malaysian Airlines) leadership many times, each time we were hoping they would do something to turn around the company but they failed," Dr M said in an interview on the sidelines of an ASEAN leaders meeting in Thailand.
A sale would only be sanctioned to a buyer able to turn it around, and at the right price, he said.
"We need to be very careful about choosing the buyer. If we sell to people who will fail again, it is not worthwhile. "
Other options are still on the table, such as another government funded restructuring.
"Maybe changing the head once again and maybe restructuring. There are so many options at large," he said.
