Arrest in Navy's LCS saga should not be considered as "case closed", says Nik Nazmi

SHAH ALAM - The recent arrest of several individuals for allegations of impropriety in relation to the construction project of six Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) for the Navy should not be considered as "case closed" or "mission accomplished" for Malaysian authorities, according to a PKR lawmaker.

Setiwangsa MP and former chairman of the Parliamentary Special Select Committee On Defense And Home Affairs, said Malaysians deserve the truth and full details over what had happened.

“The arrests cannot be considered 'case closed' or 'mission accomplished, as no one has been convicted and the current government has yet to openly and comprehensively outline how they intend to ensure LCS is eventually completed or such problems will not recur.

“Lessons must be learned so that the country does not provide bigger budgets for problematic projects. Does the current government have the political commitment to ensure this?” he said.

The LCS procurement was one of the projects under the special parliamentary select committee's purview but Nik Nazmi explained that PH was not at fault as the work of the committee came to a halt with the change of government.

On Nov 21 last year, Royal Malaysian Navy Veterans Association (PVTLDM) President, First Admiral (R) Mohamad Imran Abd Hamid lodged a report with the Malaysian Anti -Corruption Commission (MACC) on the construction project of six LCS ships that failed to be submitted on schedule.

The project worth RM9.128 billion was awarded to Boustead Naval Shipyard by the government through the Defense Ministry and a total of RM6 billion has been paid for the construction of the six ships.

However, none of the LCSs has been completed and handed over to the Navy.