Politics · Malaysia Bureau
Defence Minister Says LCS 1 Completion Independent of RCI Inquiry
Malaysia's defence minister has clarified that the completion of the first Littoral Combat Ship is not contingent on a Royal Commission of Inquiry investigating project delays. The shipbuilder has been instructed to accelerate work on the vessel.
LSN Malaysia ·
The establishment of a Royal Commission of Inquiry into delays affecting the Littoral Combat Ship programme will not impact the delivery timeline for LCS 1, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said on Wednesday. Speaking in Kota Tinggi, the minister stressed that the RCI's investigation and the shipbuilder's construction efforts remain separate matters. The minister has directed the shipbuilder to expedite work on the first vessel to meet project milestones. The LCS programme has faced persistent delays in recent years, prompting the government to launch the RCI to examine the causes of the setbacks and identify accountability. The RCI will investigate contractual obligations, project management, and other factors contributing to schedule slippage across the four-ship acquisition programme. Officials have stated that the inquiry is intended to provide clarity on project challenges and inform future naval procurement decisions. The defence ministry continues to prioritise the programme's progress while the independent investigation proceeds.