World · Malaysia Bureau
RCI not sole determinant of LCS readiness timeline, says Khaled
Malaysia's defence establishment has signalled that a royal commission of inquiry will not be the only factor determining when the Littoral Combat Ship project reaches operational status, amid calls to accelerate investigations into the programme's delays.
LSN Malaysia ·
The comments come after Pasir Gudang Member of Parliament Hassan Karim urged authorities to expedite the LCS investigation without waiting solely for the RCI process to conclude. Khaled's statement appears aimed at reassuring stakeholders that project momentum can continue independently of the inquiry findings.
The call for accelerated action follows the 2/2026 Auditor General's Report, which identified the LCS programme as running 7.55 per cent behind schedule. The defence procurement initiative, considered strategically important for Malaysia's maritime capabilities, has faced persistent delays that have drawn scrutiny from both parliamentary and oversight authorities.
The Royal Commission of Inquiry, established following the Auditor General's findings, is examining factors contributing to the project's underperformance. However, officials have indicated that remedial measures and timeline assessments need not be held in abeyance pending the RCI's completion, suggesting a parallel approach to both investigation and project advancement.
The LCS programme remains a significant component of Malaysia's naval modernisation efforts, making timely resolution of scheduling issues critical for defence readiness and budget management.