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Harapan vows to resume LCS probe if it returns to power
It also promised to implement strategies outlined in the defence White Paper passed by Parliament in 2019.
In a joint statement, the communication chiefs of three Harapan component parties said the coalition's goal is to...
Pakatan Harapan has vowed to resume investigations into the littoral combat ship (LCS) saga should the coalition return to power.
It also promised to implement strategies outlined in the defence White Paper passed by Parliament in 2019.
In a joint statement, the communication chiefs of three Harapan component parties said the coalition's goal is to ensure Malaysia's defence forces are adequately equipped to fulfil their duties.
The coalition said it tabled the White Paper and initiated a probe into the LCS because it was aware of the navy's requirement to protect Malaysia's coastlines which are rich in natural resources and hydrocarbons.
“Therefore, the navy has to be always prepared in terms of their equipment and capabilities to face maritime threats.
“Following the LCS controversy, we are certain that those who are most disappointed are the people in the navy and the people of this country,” said the coalition.
The procurement of the six LCS has captured attention following the release of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report two weeks ago.
Therein, the PAC concluded that then defence minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi greenlit an LCS design that was not sought by the navy.
The committee also underscored many problems faced by the contractors chosen by Zahid which has resulted in the late delivery of the project.
According to current Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein, the first LCS is expected to be completed in 2024 - five years later than initially promised.
Harapan placed the blame squarely on Zahid for adopting a “take it or leave it” attitude when dealing with the navy on the procurement of the LCS.
“What (Umno leaders) care about is providing projects for their cronies and not the needs of the military,” said the coalition.
‘Cannot just catch anchovies’
Meanwhile, Amanah communications chief Khalid Abdul Samad told reporters that although a former Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS) official has been charged over the incident, the defence minister, prime minister, and finance minister who decided on the LCS must be held accountable as well.
“BNS would not have been able to do this without the cooperation and support from those in government at the time.
“It was clear. There was collusion when the contract was awarded without an open tender and (advanced) payments were made that were not according to procedure.
“It is wrong to blame BNS alone... We cannot just catch the anchovies while allowing the sharks to escape. It happens too often in Malaysia,” Khalid told reporters at the launch of the Harapan media centre today.
On Tuesday (Aug 16), prosecutors charged former BNS managing director and vice-executive chairperson Ahmad Ramli Mohd Nor with three counts of criminal breach of trust (CBT) involving RM21.08 million.
Ramli was charged for fraudulently approving payments to several companies between 2010 and 2011.
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