KUALA LUMPUR: The government will focus on putting the troubled littoral combat ship (LCS) project back on track as decided by the Cabinet, said defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein today.
He said negotiations were being carried out with vendors, original equipment manufacturers and banks, Bernama reported.
The LCS project, for the construction of six frigates for the navy, has come under criticism over its cost and delays in delivery. The first ship, Maharaja Lela, was launched in 2017 for delivery in 2019 with the rest to be delivered in stages until this month. However, none have been completed or delivered.
Hishammuddin said a media visit was made to the Boustead Naval Shipyard in Lumut, Perak, today to take a look at the external and internal conditions of the ships under construction.
“I never get tired of asserting many times that the defence ministry and I have nothing to hide. At the same time, the wrongdoers must be brought to justice,” he added.
Opposition politicians have said Hishammuddin should resign to take responsibility for the delays.