KUALA LUMPUR – The investigation into the littoral combat ship (LCS) scandal will continue as the prosecution did not act against the main players involved.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Tambun-PH) told the Dewan Rakyat that the initial probe was insufficient due to the large scale of the scandal and leakage.
“Investigations must continue regardless of who the scandal involves, even if it is an Umno member. I think further action is needed to ensure the main players involved in the scandal can be held accountable,” he said during question time today.
He added that the government encourages enforcement authorities such as the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission to continue investigations and prosecute if there is sufficient evidence.
Yesterday, Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan said the government would choose between building its own ships or acquiring completed ones, following the LCS scandal.
He was reported as saying that consultations would be conducted before a decision is made as the most important thing is that the ships are delivered on time.
Last month, the Investigating Committee on Governance, Procurement, and Finance report posited that Putrajaya could fork out an eye-watering RM11.145 billion in total for the six vessels, a substantial increase from the RM9 billion agreed upon years ago.
Earlier on, Muhamad said his ministry has followed through with most of the recommendations put forth by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in its report.
He noted, however, that two out of the six suggestions could not be completed as they involve sending periodic reports to the PAC and the parliamentary special select committee – which have not yet been formed with new members following the dissolution of Parliament on October 10.
The LCS project came under scrutiny last year when the PAC said none of the six ships ordered had been completed although RM6.08 billion had been paid.
On October 2 last year, then defence minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said construction of the ships would resume as soon as negotiations ended in December.
The first LCS, which is expected to be completed next year, will undergo 22 to 24 months of harbour and sea trials before commencing active service. – The Vibes, March 14, 2023
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