Defence Minister Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he felt there was no need for external investigations into the acquisition of its Rapid Intervention Vehicles (RIV).

He said an internal inquiry which was conducted after the issue was raised by Sultan Ibrahim of Johor was adequate.

“I have obtained the preliminary findings of the investigation that was conducted, and I find that the ministry does not need an investigation by outside quarters to look for solutions to the issue.

“As defence minister, I take full responsibility over the concern showed by Sultan Ibrahim, who is also the Colonel Commandant of the Special Forces Regiment, in raising the matter,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid was speaking to reporters after opening the West Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said this when commenting on the progress of investigations being conducted in response to the difference in prices of the RIV supplied to the Special Forces Regiment, as claimed by Sultan Ibrahim.

On the symposium, Ahmad Zahid said the presence of about 100 delegates from 21 WPNS member countries indicated their recognition of Malaysia’s role in maintaining security in the region.

Malaysia Armed Forces chief General Zulkifeli Mohd Zain and Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Abdul Aziz Jaafar were present at the event.

- Bernama