SEPANG: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) will summon the Defence Ministry to provide clarification and an update on Norway’s decision to revoke an export licence for Naval Strike Missiles (NSM) intended for Malaysia.
PAC chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin (pic) said the matter would be discussed during a briefing on June 23, which will also involve the Parliamentary Special Select Committee on Security.
"We had previously written to the ministry, and I have received a letter from the ministry’s secretary-general, Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, informing us of the status following the Norwegian government’s decision.
"However, that was some time ago, and I understand there have been new developments. Therefore, we will call the ministry to PAC to provide clarification and a briefing,” she told reporters after a PAC working visit to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Thursday (June 11).
The Royal Malaysian Navy’s six Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) were originally slated to be equipped with anti-ship missile systems produced by Norway’s defence company, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, under a €124mil (RM571.9mil) contract signed in April 2018.
However, the Norwegian government reportedly revoked the export licence for the NSM system last March, just days before the scheduled delivery, following tighter export controls on sensitive military technologies.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said on June 2 that the unilateral decision had caused Malaysia direct losses exceeding RM600mil for the missile procurement, while indirect costs could surpass RM1bil.
On the PAC’s visit to KLIA, Mas Ermieyati said it formed part of the committee’s efforts to complete its report on the management of public airports.
She said the PAC was in the final stages of finalising the draft report ahead of its tabling during the next Dewan Rakyat sitting, slated to begin on June 22.
The visit provided the committee with a clearer picture of the progress of several high-impact projects, including the aerotrain and baggage handling system (BHS), to assist in preparing its findings and recommendations, she said.
"By conducting site visits and observing the progress of projects and operations firsthand, we are able to further verify the information presented during the proceedings,” she noted.
Mas Ermieyati said that the committee also had the opportunity to closely observe BHS operations and better understand the challenges and risks involved in upgrading the ageing system.
PAC would continue monitoring the implementation of the projects to ensure they are completed on schedule while preventing waste, leakages and misconduct in the management of public funds, she added.- Bernama
