Show accountability over littoral ship project fiasco, analyst tells Umno

Umno must demonstrate commitment to accountability by questioning former defense ministers over their decisions and oversight of the littoral combat ship (LCS) project, contends political analyst Ahmad Sabri. "Accountability doesn't involve labeling everyone as culpable," he explains. "It entails demanding explanations." Sabri insists that holding the shipbuilder accountable for delays should be complemented with a probing evaluation of ministerial decisions, contract revisions, and corrective measures - not just a focus on penalties.

"If the contractor's delays are to blame, impose the appropriate contractual penalties," he advises. "But if decisions made within the defense ministry contributed to the delays, who is responsible for those decision-makers?" Between 2009 and now, five Umno ministers - Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Hishammuddin Hussein, Ismail Sabri Yaakob, Mohamad Hasan, and current defense minister Khaled Nordin - have each held the defense portfolio.

"Not every minister made the same choices," Sabri notes, emphasizing the need to assess responsibility according to each minister's tenure. The LCS project started with a budget of RM9.128 billion for six vessels, but was later scaled down to five ships at a cost of RM11.227 billion. Originally slated for delivery in 2019, the first ship is now expected to be handed over in April 2027.

Khaled Nordin acknowledged delays in finalizing certain contracts and requested changes from the defense ministry, but also admitted the contractor had fallen behind schedule in its construction work. He announced a notice of demand for damages against the shipbuilder, Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas), which would have the opportunity to explain its delays.

If its explanation is deemed unsatisfactory, damages would be imposed. Malaysian anti-corruption commission and Public Accounts Committee scrutiny are urged by defense analyst Zaki Salleh as part of Umno's accountability measures. "These include providing open explanations, supporting independent scrutiny, and implementing policy reforms," Salleh elaborates.

Zaki urges Umno to embrace Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission investigations and Public Accounts Committee scrutiny without dismissing them as political attacks. However, he stresses that a balanced assessment should also account for corporate governance and contract management weaknesses, as well as external factors beyond the control of domestic political parties.

Security analyst Mizan Aslam of London's Global Peace Institute echoes Umno's call for accountability, urging the party to explain how the LCS project went awry. "I want to know why this happened, and where the money went," he asserts. Mizan cautions against indiscriminate blame, but believes Umno could take steps to ensure those responsible are held accountable, which could help rebuild public trust.