Khazanah Nasional Berhad in a statement today said it will consult with Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) Board and the government on the succession plan for the new chief executive officer (CEO) of the company.

This comes after MAB CEO and Managing Director, Christoph Mueller's decision to leave in September 2016, earlier before the end of his three-year contract.

READ: Christoph Mueller bids farewell to MAB in September

“The final decision on the new CEO of MAB will be undertaken through all necessary consultation and approvals before the end of Mueller’s term in September 2016,” said Khazanah in a statement here today.

It also said that it respected Mueller's decision, and that the matter has been discussed and recorded at the Khazanah board of Directors meeting earlier today.

“While we would have wanted Mueller to continue as planned, we also respect and ultimately agree to his decision to leave ahead of the end of his three-year contract, due to a change in his personal circumstances,” it said.

Khazanah thanked Mueller for his instrumental contribution in the restructuring efforts and as the person tasked with implementing the turnaround of the national carrier.

“We note that Mr. Mueller has laid the groundwork, put in place a strong management team, and undertaken the necessary measures and initiatives that have produced encouraging signs of progress on Malaysia Airline’s path to recovery, as called for under the five-year 12-point MAS Recovery Plan (MRP),” it said.