[UPDATED] Let PAC do their work: Ismail Sabri on delayed OPV

KUALA LUMPUR –  The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) holds the power to investigate dubious national projects, including the delayed delivery of offshore patrol vessels (OPV), said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

He added that as an independent parliamentary committee consisting of government and opposition MPs, the PAC has the authority to summon individuals to aid its investigations.

“It is up to the PAC if they need to call in (people from) relevant government agencies or bodies for an explanation on certain matters,” he told reporters after officiating the Semarak Patriotik IPT 2022 event at the National Defence University Malaysia today.

However, Ismail declined to elaborate on the government’s stand on the late OPV, adding that he has not yet been provided a “clear picture” of details regarding the matter.

“The government has been informed that the OPVs are being constructed and will be completed soon, so we’ll wait and see.

“I, myself, do not have a clear depiction (of the OPV situation).”

On Tuesday, Parit Buntar MP Datuk Seri Mujahid Yusof Rawa urged the PAC to probe the late delivery of three OPVs, which the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) were supposed to receive in 2020.

Alleging that there were signs of financial mismanagement in the RM738.9 million project, the Amanah lawmaker urged the investigation to be expedited for the sake of the nation’s safety.

Previously, Mujahid had questioned the government’s decision to award the contract via direct negotiation to Tabung Haji Heavy Engineering Bhd, which supposedly does not have experience in building ships. 

Subsequently, MMEA director-general Zubil Mat Som said that the OPVs were under construction by local company THHE Destini Sdn Bhd.

He reportedly attributed the delays to the Covid-19 pandemic, adding that OPV1 is scheduled to be launched on October 10 this year and handed to MMEA early next year. – The Vibes, September 15, 2022