The Public's Accounts Committee (PAC) has recommended the government to reconsider its decision to delay the purchase of 12 choppers under the much-criticised RM1.6 billion Eurocopter deal.

The recommendation was made in a letter which was circulated among MPs in the Parliament today

helicopter military eurocopter cougor ec 725 troop transporter PAC said that although inspections concluded that the Nuri helicopters - which are in use presently - were still safe to be used until 2015, the decision to purchase the 12 new helicopters must be made at least by 2011.

"This is because the preparation process for the helicopters takes three years and flight training would take a year.

"PAC recommends that the government to reconsider the decision to delay the purchase of the helicopters from Eurocopter given the many problems the (existing) Nuri have," read the letter.

PAC also suggested that an independent review panel be set up to provide the government with a second opinion on the purchase.

“This must comprise relevant experts. The appointments can be decided by the Economic Planning Unit,” reads the letter.

PAC reiterated that there was no misappropriation in the purchase, saying it was in line with guidelines set by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum for any governmental acquisition process.

Negotiate the cost

It, however, said the Defence Ministry should negotiate the cost with the supplier based on market price, and that the payment should be made in tandem with progress of “a thorough” inspection process.

The attorney-general must also be consulted prior to the signing of the contract, which must spell out specifications and details of acquisition.

The PAC’s recommendations are unlikely to appease critics of the Eurocopter deal.

Pakatan Rakyat leaders like Lim Kit Siang have called for chairperson Azmi Khalid to resign, given the earlier decision to clear the government of any wrongdoing in the scandal.

On Nov 10, Azmi said the PAC’s inquiry report on the deal had been distributed to MPs on Nov 6 for their evaluation.

abdullah ahmad badawi and eurocopter ec725 suspended 281008 "It is up to the members to debate and make their own conclusions. We have examined the matter according to procedures, and the report was done verbatim," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi (left), also the defence minister, has already said the purchase would be postponed until the economic situation improves.