Former defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein must explain why six military helicopters purchased on his watch in 2016 have not been delivered, veterans group National Patriots Association (Patriot) said today.
Patriot has urged Hishammuddin to take responsibility over the non-delivery of six helicopters worth RM300 million despite about one-third of the payment made, some five months after a report was lodged with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) to investigate the deal.
Patriot president Brig Gen (rtd) Mohamed Arshad Raji said Hishammuddin had been silent on the issue which was recently reported in the news.
“Patriot wants a decisive closure on the six undelivered McDonnell Douglas MD530 lightweight combat helicopters purchased in 2016. What actually happened to these helicopters?
“The former defence minister has not spoken a word yet has the audacity to ask how the Defence Ministry plans to spend its 2020 budget,” said Arshad.
“Since the contract was sealed by the previous government, it is imperative for the previous defence minister and all officials associated with the procurement to assume responsibility for the dereliction of duty,” he added.
The group said it was baffled with the speed with which the contract was completed – in 18 months with delivery expected in less than two years.
“It would appear that this was an off-the-shelve procurement where the six helicopters were all lined up to be sold. This procurement has been flawed from the outset,” Arshad said.
On Friday, Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said the government may go to court if the six helicopters were still not delivered.
The defence ministry had lodged a report with MACC in June. There has been no word on the status of the investigation.
The previous Barisan Nasional government signed a contract to purchase the helicopters for RM322 million in 2016 following a demonstration of the aircraft at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition the year before.
Putrajaya has paid RM113 million towards the purchase. The sum amounts to 35% of the total contract value.
The helicopters were to be delivered in two batches, in July 2017 and December 2018. None has been delivered so far.
Arshad asked if it had been necessary to appoint an agent to handle the purchase.
“It was reported that the purchase was through an appointed agency that was close to a very senior official of the ministry. The appointed agent, who had no previous experience in dealing with military assets, was allowed to conduct direct negotiation with the supplier.”
“Why was there a need to appoint an agent, when the procurement could be done by the government itself? The agent was reported to have failed in his responsibility to see the contract through. Had a commission been paid to the agent?” Arshad said.
Arshad asked if the army really needed the six helicopters and whether there was logistic support to maintain it.
“Action must be taken against wrong dowers no matter how high their positions are, including those who have retired from the civil service and from the military,” he said.
Last night Mindef said in a press statement the delivery delay was due to “technical issues” with the original equipment manufacturer.
The ministry said the delivery date had been delayed even though the government had met its payment obligations according to the schedule stated in the contract.
“The ministry is currently studying information and feedback received from stakeholders in order to make a decision regarding this acquisition.
“The government has identified several options that can be taken to resolve the problem and will ensure that any decision made will cause only minimal loss to the government,” Mindef said.