LCS scandal: Hisham will suggest RCI to cabinet tomorrow
This followed debates on the LCS project in the Dewan Negara today, where a number of senators called for an RCI to investigate the project’s many discrepancies.
“I give the assurance that I will personally...
PARLIAMENT | Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Hishammuddin Hussein said he will present the suggestion of a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the littoral combat ship (LCS) issue to the cabinet tomorrow.
This followed debates on the LCS project in the Dewan Negara today, where a number of senators called for an RCI to investigate the project’s many discrepancies.
“I give the assurance that I will personally present the matter to the cabinet. (Although) there were some (senators) who did not agree to it, but it is my responsibility to bring this to the cabinet,” said the defence minister to the Upper House.
A total of 10 senate members debated on the issue today.
During the debate session, senators Lim Hui Ying, Muhammad Zahid Md Arip, Kesavadas Achyuthan Nair, and Razali Idris among others supported the call for an RCI to be established.
However, Senator Mohamad Fatmi Che Salleh countered that while he supported taking action against guilty parties in the LCS scandal, he rejected the notion that an RCI should be held.
He contended that the MACC should be allowed to fully investigate the issue without interference.
It was reported last Thursday (Aug 11) that the MACC completed several investigation papers on individuals linked to the alleged misappropriation in handling the littoral combat ship (LCS) procurement project.
Hishammuddin (above) urged the Dewan Negara today to give the government a chance to mobilise efforts to revive the project.
He said guilty parties in the project will face justice in due time, based on investigations being carried out.
He maintained however that the navy was keen on the procurement of the LCS ships despite the issues faced.
“The plan is for the LCS project to be continued. Issues related to bribery and misuse of power will be in the face of justice,” he said.
Senior officer charged
Earlier today, a former high-ranking officer of Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) Ahmad Ramli Mohd Nor was charged with three counts of criminal breach of trust involving RM21.08 million under Section 409 of the Penal Code.
BNS is the main contractor of the LCS project and was awarded the contract in 2013.
Senator Lim pointed out however that the transactions Ramli was accused of fraudulently approving were before the Letter of Award (LOA) was given to BNS for the LCS project.
“Therefore it remains unclear whether these charges are relevant to the LCS case,” she said.
Hishammuddin stressed that Ramli’s charge was not a small matter, as it was mentioned in the PAC report.
“I know, looking at the political considerations (of this case)... of ‘sharks’…
“But this does not mean those being charged now are ‘ikan bilis’ (small fry), as it was confirmed in the PAC report,” he said.
Hishammuddin then read page 151 of the report aloud, which mentioned the existence of irregularities, fraud, and mismanagement that involved officers and some subordinates of Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Bhd (BHIC).
He reiterated the ministry will do its best to revive the project through engagement with original equipment manufacturers.
He added that, as of now, there are no additional costs for reviving the project.
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