Hisham: RCI proposal presented to Cabinet

KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to form a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the RM9bil Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) project has been presented to the Cabinet.

“It is still in the process of discussion involving various parties especially the ministers, but I cannot reveal what was discussed,” Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said.

“I believe the matter will be brought up at the next Cabinet meeting before it is presented to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong,” he told reporters after attending the “Wave the Jalur Gemilang” event and Armed Forces Fund Board (LTAT) Golden Jubilee celebration at Wisma Pertahanan yesterday.

He also said the LCS project was ongoing and the target was for the completion of the first ship within one to two years.

“No additional funding will be allocated for the first ship.”

On the charges against former navy chief Tan Sri Ahmad Ramli Mohd Nor, he said no one will be spared in the probe. Ahmad Ramli is facing three CBT charges.

“There may be others who are being investigated. I leave it to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Attorney General to take action,” he said.

At the LTAT Golden Jubilee celebration, Hishammuddin announced up to a RM500 one-off withdrawal for LTAT contributors as well as Affin Mobile Financial Centre.

A total of RM2mil was donated by various companies for Yayasan LTAT in conjunction with this year’s Warriors Day celebration, he said.