Malaysia Airline System Bhd has not appointed a new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) as speculated by some sources, says Khazanah Nasional Bhd.

The Malaysian investment holding arm said the search was still ongoing for a new CEO and the final decision would only be made after due consideration and in consultation with the special shareholder, Minister of Finance Incorporated.

"The outcome will be announced in due course, within the time frame indicated previously," it said in a statement.

A local daily reported yesterday that a foreigner was among three shortlisted candidates, including Malaysians, being considered for the post.

Khazanah Nasional, had on August 29, announced that it was undertaking a global search for a new CEO to helm MAS.

The search forms part of efforts to strengthen the leadership of the airline, as called for under the 12-point MAS Recovery Plan, reiterated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak in his remarks following the announcement of a recovery plan for the airline.