LCS scandal: Establish RCI for credible probe of issue, Bersatu info chief urges PM

PETALING JAYA: A Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the littoral combat ship (LCS) project should be established, says Datuk Wan Saiful Wan Jan (pic).

This comes after claims that Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia member Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad is linked to the scandal.

"We want the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to set up a RCI so that the investigation is thorough, legitimate and credible," said Wan Saiful, the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia information chief, when contacted on Monday (Aug 22).

On whether Bersatu will stand by Abdul Latiff, who is also Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Special Functions) while the matter is investigated, Wan Saiful said, "We will wait for further details."

Earlier on Monday (Aug 22), PKR deputy president Rafizi Ramli alleged that companies linked to Abdul Latiff's second wife were involved in the embezzlement of funds linked to the littoral combat ship scandal.

Abdul Latiff was the deputy defence minister from 2008 to 2013.

However, Abdul Latiff, in a statement on Monday, denied that the woman was his wife.

When asked, Bersatu supreme council member Faiz Na'aman said he had no knowledge about the matter.

"I just read about it in the media. I can't confirm the allegations made by Rafizi.

"You have to ask the person in question," he said when contacted.

On Aug 4, Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) revealed that some RM1.4bil in government allocations for the LCS project had been used for other purposes, including cost overruns.

The two-year probe by PAC also revealed that the RM9bil project was done through direct negotiations with Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd and was inked in 2014.