PAC to meet over LCS issue during next Dewan sitting: Mas Ermieyati

KUALA LUMPUR – The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today suggested new proceedings be held in relation to the littoral combat ships (LCS) owned by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) during the Dewan Rakyat sitting, which starts on May 22.

The proceedings will begin as soon as the Dewan Rakyat approves the appointment of the PAC members.

PAC chairman Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said she will call for the first PAC meeting to discuss the LCS issue as soon as the appointments are approved.

“I was informed that the PAC had already discussed the report on the acquisition of the LCS on August 4, 2022, during the last Parliament term.

“The secretary-general to the Defence Ministry (Mindef) had updated the PAC on seven recommendations then,” she said in a statement.

One of the recommendations was for Mindef to present the progress report on the LCS’ construction every three months to the PAC.

“In view of this, I will suggest to the PAC that the committee also present a report to Parliament every three months,” she said.

The PAC is expected to have its first proceeding at the Boustead Naval Shipyard, followed by a working visit to witness the shipbuilding progress first-hand.

Mas Ermieyati also said she and PAC vice-chairman Wong Shu Qi had completed visits to the seven PAC permanent representatives, or ex-officio members, which include the Public Services Department and Finance Ministry among others.

“All the ex-officio members have agreed to maintain a strong relationship with the PAC and ensure its credibility and transparency,” she added. – The Vibes May 19, 2023