Malaysia’s multi-billion warship undertaking to proceed however topic to assessment: Defence minister

PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia’s warship project will probably be continued however topic to a assessment, the nation’s Defence Minister mentioned on Saturday (Dec 10). 

Mohamad Hasan mentioned he wanted to be briefed quickly to get a clearer image of the multi-billion ringgit Littoral Fight Ship (LCS) undertaking which had been hit by delays.

“I’ll get a briefing from the related events in order that I’ve a deeper understanding of the background and points concerned.

“We are going to make sure that the ships are constructed; no level speaking about historical past. That’s necessary as a result of (the LCS undertaking) is a strategic asset of the Malaysian Armed Forces,” he mentioned.

Mohamad Hasan added that he’ll work along with the ministry management to make sure the frigates have been constructed and delivered.

“I’ll ask the federal government to review it correctly and we’ll guarantee these ships are constructed and accomplished in one of the simplest ways potential.”

RM9 BILLION CONTRACT

In August this 12 months, the Malaysian parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) tabled a report on the procurement of littoral combatant ships, two years after beginning a probe into the RM9.13 billion (US$2.05 billion) contract.

The committee mentioned the undertaking to assemble six ships was awarded by the Ministry of Defence to Boustead Naval Shipyard by way of direct negotiation, and the federal government has paid RM6.08 billion or 66.65 per cent of the associated fee to date.

“Nevertheless, not even one of many LCS ships has been delivered. Based on our timeline, 5 LCS ships ought to have been accomplished and handed over to us by August 2022,” mentioned PAC chairman and Ipoh Timor MP Wong Kah Woh.

The problem first drew public consideration in August 2020 in the course of the tabling of the 2019 auditor-general’s report in parliament. Altogether, the PAC held 9 rounds of proceedings from November 2020 to March 2022.

Amongst these known as as much as the proceedings have been former Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, then-Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein who additionally held the place from Could 2013 to Could 2018, former navy head Admiral Abdul Aziz Jaafar and officers from Boustead subsidiaries.

Former prime minister Najib Razak, who was Ahmad Zahid’s predecessor on the defence portfolio, has additionally been linked to the scandal.