PUTRAJAYA: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is satisfied with the development of the first of five littoral combat ships (LCS) being built for the Royal Malaysian Navy, says government spokesman Datuk Fahmi Fadzil.
He said this followed Anwar’s visit to the Royal Malaysian Navy base in Lumut on Sunday (June 15).
“This achievement proves that despite earlier setbacks, these vessels are now being completed with the involvement of local engineers.
“The second ship is expected to be ready this year, and the third, the following year.
"It’s a milestone to be proud of,” Fahmi, who is also Communications Minister, told a post-Cabinet meeting press conference here on Wednesday (June 18).
ALSO READ: PM reviews LCS progress at Lumut shipyard as construction reaches 72.4%
He added that the Cabinet also discussed upgrading 30 schools in military camps nationwide.
He said that during Anwar’s visit to Lumut, it was announced that RM20mil would be allocated to enhance facilities in these schools.
“These schools do not fall under the Education Ministry’s jurisdiction but are under the Defence Ministry. This move is expected to resolve longstanding issues faced by these institutions,” he added.
Separately, he said ministers were also briefed on the draft of the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) by Economy Ministry secretary-general Datuk Nor Azmie Diron.
The plan is expected to be tabled in Parliament on July 28.
“All ministries have been asked to review the draft and provide feedback ahead of the tabling,” he said.
ALSO READ: Anwar calls for bold education reforms ahead of 13th Malaysia Plan
This will be the first Malaysia Plan presented under the current administration’s leadership, he added.
Regarding the Online Safety Act, Fahmi said he is awaiting a draft from the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) concerning several regulations under the proposed legislation.
“This includes definitions of what constitutes ‘online harm'.
“Once signed, a committee will be formed by the Law Minister to monitor its enforcement," he said.
He said the Bill is expected to move forward in the coming weeks.
ALSO READ: Fahmi: Implementation of Online Safety Act will be clarified later
On another matter, Fahmi said the government will ensure that revenue collected from the expanded sales and service tax (SST) will go to vital sectors such as education and healthcare.
“Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan will provide further clarification.
“While the people may have concerns, it’s important to know that these funds are being channelled to improve public facilities, and we are taking action to combat misappropriation and corruption,” he said.
Fahmi added that the government is also supporting the Malaysian deaf community, including ensuring the involvement of sign language interpreters not just at media events but also in future parliamentary sessions.
He also congratulated a sign language interpreter from the community who recently received national recognition.
Tan Lee Bee, a veteran interpreter, was conferred the Bintang Ahli Mangku Negara (AMN) by His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, earlier this month.
