KUALA LUMPUR (March 23): Former second finance minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani has emerged as the second largest shareholder of Media Prima Bhd after acquiring another 54.37 million shares in the group today.

Following the acquisition — made through his private investment vehicle JAG Capital Holdings Sdn Bhd — Johari has a direct holding of 15.15% or 168.02 million shares in the media and entertainment group.

He also has an indirect holding of 4.93% or 54.7 million shares in Media Prima, according to the group's filing with Bursa Malaysia.

Johari is the chairman and largest shareholder of KUB Malaysia Bhd, and also a director of CI Holdings Bhd.

The former minister became the second largest shareholder of Media Prima within a month after emerging as a substantial shareholder of the group on March 9.

Aurora Mulia Sdn Bhd, a vehicle related to billionaire Tan Sri Syed Mokhtar Albukhary, remains as the largest shareholder of Media Prima with a holding of 31.9% or 353.82 million shares, according to Bloomberg data.

Investment bank and financial services company Morgan Stanley is now the third largest shareholder with 12.83% or 142.34 million shares.

Media Prima's share price closed one sen or 1.59% lower at 62 sen today, valuing the group at RM687.7 million. The stock has risen to as high as 75 sen in the past year, and has gained 117% year-to-date.