KUALA LUMPUR – The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has defended its report on the littoral combat ship (LCS) project, saying Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) chief executive officer Azhar Jumaat contradicted himself when denying to the press that some equipment was obsolete.
PAC chairman Wong Kah Woh said the committee’s report was made based on the testimonies of witnesses, including Azhar’s account that 15% of the equipment in storage was obsolete.
Wong said Azhar made this statement, recorded in the Hansard in December 11 last year.
Sharing a portion of the statement on Facebook, Wong said Azhar had testified that “about 15% have passed or nearing obsolescence”.
“Now, he’s saying that the equipment is only in the process of being obsolete and can still be used 25 years from now. The question is, if this is true, it wouldn’t be considered in the process of obsolescence, would it?
“Now, after nine months (following his testimony), is BNS saying that the only item obsolete are the smart TVs?” Wong asked.
This is in response to Azhar’s remark yesterday claiming that the PAC’s conclusion that 15% of LCS equipment are obsolete was not entirely accurate, insisting that the goods are still usable and would be installed on the vessels.
Azhar had been speaking to selected media invited to the naval shipyard in Lumut yesterday for a tour of the LCS vessels currently being built.
He had said that while the equipment may require routine maintenance, they could last for at least another 25 years, adding that the items that are obsolete were not combat critical, such as smart televisions.
Wong, however, stood by PAC’s findings, explaining that the report was not written based on individual feelings, but rather testimonies from 21 witnesses over 10 different proceedings.
“The issue of equipment being obsolete and expired warranty is a serious one that received PAC’s attention. Witnesses have also expressed their concerns,” he said.
Wong went on to disclose parts of the testimonies involving five individuals key in the LCS project, including former deputy prime minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, former defence secretary-general Datuk Seri Muez Abdul Aziz, and former director-general of the LCS project, Datuk Mohd Shaiful Adli Chung Abdullah.
According to the Hansard, both Zahid and Muez had stated that there would be issues of obsolescence whereby certain equipment procured would be considered outdated by the time they are expected to be fitted into the ships.
Shaiful said many of the warranties for the equipment are also nearing their expiry as the construction of the ships have yet to reach the necessary level.
Boustead Heavy Industries Corporation Bhd independent director Saadatul Nafisah Bashir Ahmad meanwhile revealed that BNS has set up its own internal committee to handle issues of warranties and equipment being obsolete. – The Vibes, August 14, 2022
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