KUALA LUMPUR – The Defence Ministry will realise the construction of the littoral combat ships (LCS) for the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) to strengthen the defence of national waters, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
Mohamad said the ministry’s mission is to “complete the ships” by 2024.
“We will base our consideration purely on commercial considerations. We want to make sure the ships are completed. If not all six, four would be enough so long as they are completed during my tenure in the ministry.
“I will continue the efforts implemented by the ministry, Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), as well as various other agencies, and the Finance Ministry, Economy Ministry, as well as the Armed Forces Fund Board in realising the completion of the LCS,” he said.
He was delivering his 2023 message at Wisma Pertahanan here today.
Mohamad said he had consulted the Finance Ministry, Economy Ministry, and Defence Ministry so he can explain the actual situation of the LCS issue.
“We are not interested in suing anybody or putting anyone behind bars. What I’m only interested in is to see the ships in our waters by July 2024,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mohamad said the defence development capability and capacity would continue with government allocations to the Defence Ministry amounting to RM17.4 billion for operating and development expenditures.
“A total of 281 procurement plans with a projected value of RM8 billion is for ATM’s military asset maintenance and spare supplies.
“Among them are 155mm self-propelled howitzers, the restoration of KD Laksamana, KD Jerai, and KD Lekir for RMN, as well as the maintenance of C130 aircraft and spare supplies of RMN aircraft.
“They also include continuing the agenda to acquire maritime patrol aircraft, medium-altitude long endurance unmanned aircraft systems, and light combat aircraft, apart from ensuring the littoral mission ships receive the due consideration of the finance and economy ministries,” he said.
Mohamad said all projects planned must be expedited, especially those involving one-off or special programmes which have to be paid in the current year. – Bernama, January 5, 2023
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