PUTRAJAYA: The Cabinet today agreed in principle that the littoral combat ship (LCS) project forensic audit report be made public, said Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
However, he said it would be made after discussions with Senior Defence Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein and other stakeholders on the mechanism of disclosure as there are sensitive issues which cannot be made public.
In a media conference after the Merdeka Month Celebration of the Legal Affairs Division here today, Wan Junaidi said he is of the view that sensitive matters involving security should not be revealed.
"In principle, Cabinet Ministers still emphasise that the disclosure will be made. I am of the opinion that sensitive things, security issues should not be disclosed," he said, and added that this is also a practice in the United States and England, where sensitive issues will not be made public for security purposes.
Earlier, the Cabinet had proposed that the LCS project forensic audit report conducted in 2019 be declassified, but the process needs to get the advice and views of the Attorney General and the Auditor General.
Wan Junaidi also did not rule out the possibility that the government will establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate the LCS issue.
"Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob) earlier (Cabinet meeting) mentioned one more thing (about LCS RCI). So it means that the question (LCS RCI) has not been written off, even though it is considered that the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has done its best," he said.
Hishammuddin when winding up the debate on the motion related to the LCS issue at Dewan Negara yesterday gave his assurance that he would personally bring the LCS RCI proposal to get the approval of the Cabinet today.
Hishammuddin said this in response to the suggestions of several Senators who urged the government to establish an RCI to investigate the LCS issue to examine all aspects so that no guilty party escapes prosecution.
Wan Junaidi said MACC still needs to update the investigation papers relating to the LCS case before it is returned to the Attorney General's Chambers for a decision so that other individuals may be prosecuted.
"However, there was a discussion in the Cabinet earlier and the Cabinet's decision was open-ended. The MACC investigation will continue and the Cabinet reiterates that we will not protect anyone in the LCS issue," he said.
The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) previously revealed nine proceedings related to the LCS issue starting on Nov 18 2020 and found that not a single LCS had been completed even though the contract for the project awarded through direct negotiation worth RM6.083 billion provided that five ships should be completed and delivered as of August 2022.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Aug 17 2022
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Parliament and Law) Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar at a press conference at the National Month Celebration Program of the Legal Affairs Division of the Prime Minister's Department today. - BERNAMA
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.
PDRM to consult AGC in completing Teoh Beng Hock investigation
The police may seek new testimony from existing witnesses for additional insights into the investigation of Teoh Beng Hock's death.
Thai court rejects petition over ex-PM Thaksin's political influence
Thailand's Constitutional Court rejects a petition seeking to stop Thaksin Shinawatra from interfering in the running the Pheu Thai party.
Abidin takes oath of office as Sungai Bakap assemblyman
The State Assemblyman for Sungai Bakap, Abidin Ismail, was sworn in today at the State Assembly building, Lebuh Light.
UPNM cadet officer charged with injuring junior, stomping on him with spike boots
A cadet officer at UPNM pleaded not guilty to a charge of injuring his junior by stomping on the victim's stomach with spike boots.
How Indian billionaire Gautam Adani's alleged bribery scheme took off and unraveled
The indictment was unsealed on Nov. 20, prompting a $27 billion plunge in Adani Group companies' market value.
Elon Musk blasts Australia's planned ban on social media for children
Several countries have already vowed to curb social media use by children through legislation, but Australia's policy could become one of the most stringent.