Defence Minister Urges Finance Ministry to Deliver on LCS Commitments

Defence Minister Khaled Nordin has signalled that delays on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) project will no longer be tolerated, placing responsibility squarely on the Finance Ministry to expedite delivery of the vessels.

Khaled stated his belief that the Finance Ministry, which owns Lumut Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd, will "take steps to preserve its good name" and ensure the navy receives the ships on schedule. The remarks underscore growing frustration over the long-delayed maritime defence initiative.

The LCS programme has faced repeated setbacks since its inception, with delivery timelines repeatedly pushed back. The project is critical to Malaysia's efforts to modernise its naval capabilities and strengthen maritime security across the South China Sea.

By positioning the Finance Ministry as the key stakeholder accountable for project outcomes, Khaled's statement appears designed to pressure the ministry into decisive action and increased oversight of the shipyard's operations.

The Defence Ministry has not announced any revised delivery schedules for the LCS vessels at this stage.