LCS scandal: Bersatu submits memorandum to Agong for RCI set up

KUALA LUMPUR - Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) has submitted a memorandum to obtain the approval of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) littoral combat ship (LCS) scandal.

Segambut Bersatu chief Mahathir Mohd Rais said setting up an RCI was the best way to conduct investigations independently, transparently and authoritatively.

"The memorandum was presented to His Majesty's private secretary Colonel (R) Datuk Nazim Mohd Alim this afternoon," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

He said among those present to submit the memorandum were Bersatu information chief Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan and Bersatu Supreme Leadership Council member Dr Mohd Yadzil Yaakub.

"We know that the names mentioned in the Public Accounts Committee's (PAC) report over the LCS issue are very influential people in the government, so RCI is the appropriate forum to resolve the issue and identify who is responsible behind it because it involves the people's money," he said.

Mahathir said what had happened would cause the country to suffer setback and that civil servants needed to be involved in the investigation.

"This time the investigation should be done comprehensively, not just involving politicians," he said.

He said it was embarrassing that the country was still afflicted with issues on integrity that should not have happened.

"When such issue arises, the people worry that the government, which is responsible for safeguarding national security was not performing its duty properly,” he said.