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BERA – The government has taken appropriate action on the littoral combat ships issue and has not ignored the matter, said caretaker prime minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.
Ismail Sabri said the agencies responsible had also conducted investigations, and the parties involved in misappropriation have been charged in court.
"Actions have been taken on the LCS issue. The caretaker defence minister (Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein) has also made statements and explained the matter several times.
“Those accused of involvement in misappropriation and so on have been investigated by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and some people have also been brought to court. The matter is ongoing and we have not ignored it,” he told reporters after officiating the Anak Muda Gegor Bera Carnival at Dewan Konvensyen Bera here today.
He was replying to a statement by Pakatan Harapan chairman Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who was reported as demanding the prime minister for an apology to the armed forces over the procurement issue.
Ismail Sabri said whether it was deliberate or not, Anwar appeared to be unaware of what had happened because the explanation on the issue had already been given before.
Meanwhile, when asked about the opposition’s call for all candidates in the 15th general election, including those from Barisan Nasional and Perikatan Nasional, to declare their assets, he said it was voluntary for anyone who wants to do so.
The caretaker prime minister said there is no need to do so because it is not provided for in any act, unless the individuals are appointed as ministers and deputy ministers who are then required to declare their assets.
“MPs do not need to declare assets because they can do business, but ministers and deputy ministers must declare and indeed we do so.
“However, anyone who volunteers to declare property like (PKR deputy president) Rafizi (Ramli) can do so. For me, things that are necessary and required by the act must be adhered to.
“But what is not in any act (then) there is no need. It is more of making it an election issue as those who do not declare are deemed to have something to hide,” he said. – Bernama, November 12, 2022