Umno perlu tunjuk akauntabiliti dalam kemelut LCS, kata penganalisis

Umno needs to demonstrate accountability in the LCS turmoil, according to an analyst. Since 2009, five Umno leaders have overseen the defense portfolio, including previous defense minister Khaled Nordin. Analyst Ahmad Zaharuddin Sani Ahmad Sabri from Global Asia Consulting said Umno must prove its commitment to accountability by asking former defense ministers to explain their decisions and monitor projects.

Umno should also support independent assessments of ministerial decisions, contract changes, and rectifications, in addition to investigating contractor responsibilities. Just blaming contractors for delays won’t answer questions about the decisions made in the Defense Ministry, he added. "If a contractor is responsible for a delay, impose the appropriate penalty according to the contract.

But who will hold accountable the minister who made the decision?" Zaharuddin asked. Umno's record in government also bears responsibility for explaining weaknesses in monitoring and actions taken by its ministers when issues arose. The original project involved building six frigates at a cost of RM9.128 billion, but it was later reduced to five frigates at a cost of RM11.227 billion.

The first ship originally scheduled for delivery in 2019 is now delayed until April 2027. In a statement on October 26, Khaled admitted to delays in meeting some contracts and changes requested by the Defense Ministry, but said the shipbuilder also missed its schedule. He said a claim for compensation has been issued to Lumut Naval Shipyard (Lunas), which will be given the opportunity to explain the cause of the delay.

If the company's explanation is found unsatisfactory, compensation will be imposed. In a statement on October 19, Lunas cited several supporting contracts controlled directly by the Defense Ministry and export restrictions on missiles by Norway. The company said responsibility for the delay must be determined through a process set out in the contract.

Defense analyst Zaki Salleh urged Umno to admit its monitoring weaknesses in the past and obtain explanations from former defense ministers about the basis of the decisions made. "Umno can show accountability through several practical steps, including providing open explanations, supporting independent research, and implementing reforms," Zaki said.

He also urged Umno to support the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency (SPRM) investigation and the National Audit Office (PAC) inquiry, without rejecting them as political attacks. However, he stressed that fair assessment should also take into account the corporate governance and contract management weaknesses, in addition to external developments beyond the local political party's control.

Defense safety analyst Mizan Aslam from the Global Peace Institute in London also urged Umno to explain how the LCS project could encounter problems. "I want to know why this happened and where the money was being spent," Mizan said. Mizan warned against blaming Umno comprehensively, but said the party could do more to ensure those held accountable face consequences. He added that such steps could also help Umno rebuild public trust.