Probe 2016 purchase of Littoral Mission Ships, say ex-servicemen

The National Patriots Association welcomes Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu's decision to set up a high-level committee to look into various issues.

Patriot president Mohamed Arshad Raji wants the government to probe the purchase of four Littoral Mission Ships.

PETALING JAYA: The National Patriots Association (Patriot), an organisation comprising veterans and retired police officers, today asked the defence ministry to probe the 2016 purchase of four Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) from China.

Its president Brig-Gen (R) Mohamed Arshad Raji said in late 2016, Malaysia had inked the agreement with China to buy the four LMS for an unknown price, although it was believed to be around RM250 million, as announced by then-defence minister, Hishammuddin Hussein, in The Diplomat last year.

However, it was subsequently reported that Boustead Holdings Bhd was awarded a RM1.17 billion contract from the defence ministry to supply the four LMS through a direct negotiation between the governments of China and Malaysia.

“The LMS are basically lightweight large patrol crafts fitted with guns. The price range can easily be checked and compared with different suppliers.

“For those who know, a price tag of RM1.17 billion is way too high,” Arshad said in a statement.

He also welcomed the setting up of a high-level committee to probe the alleged scandals implicating the armed forces.

“From the case of the infamous Scorpene submarines, equipment malfunctions, privatisation of military land, procurements at inflated prices, shortage of medicines in military hospitals, the various reported improprieties, to the dissipating of military values and traditions where officers resort to kissing hands instead of saluting; it is high time for the rot to stop,” he said.

Although acknowledging the need to upgrade military assets, he also said the acquisitions should be prioritised in view of the current fiscal squeeze.

He said military and strategic defence should be in line with the country’s foreign policy.

“The current threat lies most in piracy, illegal encroachment into our territorial waters, and the IS threat. As such, our naval hardware to meet the needs of maritime patrolling, counter piracy and kidnap for ransom, and equipment for cyber warfare, demand priority,” he said.

Patriot also welcomed the government’s decision to place the East Sabah Security Command directly under the defence ministry, saying it would help curb redundancy and wastage. -FMT

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