Three senators propose discussion of LCS issue in Dewan Negara

KUALA LUMPUR: Three senators have proposed that the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) issue be debated in the Dewan Negara before the end of the session next Tuesday (Aug 16).

It was proposed by Senator Lim Hui Ying, Senator Fadhlina Sidek and Datuk A. Kesavadas Nair who wanted to know more about the procurement of LCS for the Royal Malaysian Navy.

Lim said the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report on the acquisition of LCS for Navy use should be debated as it involved public interest and national security, adding that he had submitted a notification to Dewan Negara president Tan Sri Dr Rais Yatim according to Standing Order 17(1).

"The PAC report also revealed various flaws, misappropriation and misuse of power in the project, including involving the former defence minister. Therefore, this matter should be debated in the Dewan Negara as it involves public interest and national security," he said at a press conference at the Parliament building.

Meanwhile, Fadhlina said other senators should also participate in the debate if the motion is allowed, so that it is seen as a bipartisan national interest, adding that she expected the responsible minister would attend the session.

Sharing her sentiment, Kesavadas hoped that the Senate president will consider allowing the matter to be debated as it involves national security and suspected misappropriation.

Meanwhile, a representative of the Dewan Negara President's Office said the president was aware of the proposal to submit the motion however no notification of the motion had been received as of Tuesday (Aug 9) afternoon.

Last Thursday (Aug 4), PAC disclosed that not one LCS had been completed even though the contract for the project awarded through direct negotiations valued at RM6.083bil provided that five ships should be completed and handed over by this month. – Bernama