Zahid ready to be probed over RM6bil-vessels purchase

LUMUT: Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi is willing to be investigated if there are indeed elements of fraud and corruption in the Government's decision to procure six Second Generation Patrol Vessel-Littoral Combat Ships (SGPV-LCS) at a cost of RM6bil.
He said opposition MP Tony Pua should come forward and provide evidence to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to allow the commission carry out an investigation on the matter.
"What is he so afraid of? Please give whatever evidence (you have) to the MACC."
"I'm ready to be investigated, my officers are also ready to be investigated if there are any irregularities in the procurement," he told reporters after a working visit to the Boustead Naval Dockyard here on Monday.
Dr Ahmad Zahid said he would provide a full answer in the next Parliament sitting about Pua's allegation that the Government was buying the six SGPV-LCS at a cost 870% more than that paid by other countries for similar ships.
He said the allegation made by the DAP MP was politically motivated.
"I would like to remind the DAP and other opposition parties not to politicise the country's defence and security."
"We can differ in our opinion but do not ‘spin’ the country's defence and security," he said.
Bernama had quoted a MACC source as saying that the commission was waiting for Pua to come forward with facts to support his allegations so an investigation could be carried out.
However, the DAP national publicity secretary said filling a report with the commission would be irrelevant as he merely wanted the Minister to justify the purchase.
A defence analyst with Asian Defence Journal was recently reported as defending the Government by saying that the figure of RM6bil was a standard ballpark figure in the naval ship building industry.
The analyst added that the high cost of procuring the six SGPV-LCS was rational, taking into consideration the capability and sophistication of the ships