LCS: Mindef satisfied, first ship ready in 2024
09 Jan 2023 04:14pm
Mohamad. - Photo by Bernama.
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Mohamad said his visit to the Malaysian Navy Base on Monday found the ships' development was within the stipulated timeframe and in stages, following the appropriate capabilities.
"The first ship is at 70 per cent (completion). There was only one block that was missing for it to be complete, so it would not take much time. The engine parts, propellers, and gearboxes were installed; only the electrical equipment and the weapons remained.
"I am confident the first ship will be done by 2024 before its seaworthiness is tested and then commissioned," he said in a press conference after his visit on Monday.
Mohamad was reported to have said the government will continue the LCS project as a part of strengthening the country and navy’s defence with the involvement of the Finance Ministry, the Economy Ministry, as well as the Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) in realising the completion of the LCS.
The Defence Ministry has negotiated to bring the project papers to directly meet with the Economy Ministry and the Finance Ministry to clarify some matters.
The media previously reported the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) stating the payment of RM6.083 billion for five LCS towards Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS) for the project negotiations, but had yet to receive the ships.
The report was released on Aug 4 and listed nine conclusions as the cause of the failure to construct the six LCS for the use of the Navy, worth RM9 billion.
On Oct 2, the former defence minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein was reported to have said the construction of the LCS will be continued after all negotiations and agreements in the mobilisation phase are finalised at the end of December last year.
