LCS scandal: PKR’s Johor Baru MP lodges police report against Latiff

KUALA LUMPUR – Johor Baru Parliament member (MP) Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir has lodged a police report against Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Datuk Abdul Latiff Ahmad over his alleged involvement in the littoral combat ships (LCS) scandal. 

Akmal, who lodged the police report at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters here today, cited findings in the report by the Parliamentary Select Committee (PAC) and the declassified forensic audit report on the RM9 billion project which has yet to see any of the six vessels completed, to date. 

The PKR lawmaker pointed out that there were intentions to transfer funds from the LCS project, via an offshore incorporated company, Malta-based Alizes Marine Ltd, to accounts overseas, in fraudulent transactions amounting to RM23.37 million.

This comes after PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli’s exposé of Latiff and apparent spouse Zainab Mohd Salleh, who is the shareholder of Alizes Marine Ltd, which the reports said had been heavily involved in the LCS project.

Akmal, who is also PKR strategy director, urged the police to investigate the money trail in the scandal and record Latiff’s statement immediately.

“We don’t know where the money went but with the assistance from the police, hopefully, we will be able to find the money trail – from which company to which company – and what happened in the end,” he told reporters outside the Dang Wangi police station.

“Apart from that, we also know some funny things happened like there were orders made by the company to purchase cotton buds and mineral water. 

“We don’t know the legitimacy of such purchases when the contract is meant to build ships. How can it be diverted to such purchases?” 

Akmal also pointed out that an investigation paper should be opened to probe Latiff’s alleged conflict of interest in the multi-million ringgit scandal after the former deputy defence minister denied having any inkling of the LCS project. 

“It’s impossible that he does not have knowledge of the planning although the project was signed in 2014. He was the deputy defence minister until 2013. 

“The police have to look for the element of breach of trust and conflict of interest so that we can get a clearer picture of his involvement in this matter.” 

The PKR central leadership council member said he would be lodging a report against Latiff, who is the Mersing MP and is with Bersatu, with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) this Thursday. 

“This is to look into Latiff’s asset declaration before he was appointed as minister, as all ministers would have to make such declarations to the prime minister or MACC.  

“Obviously, we want to know why such things didn’t attract the attention of former prime minister and Bersatu president Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.” – The Vibes, August 29, 2022