LCS saga: Umno Youth returns fire at PAS’ Ahmad Fadhli

PAS Youth chief Ahmad Fadhli Shaari has been accused of unfairly linking Umno to the littoral combat ship (LCS) procurement controversy.

In a statement, Umno Youth communications director Syed Mohd Johan Rizal Syed Unan Mashri said Fadhli (above) was trying to create a negative image of Umno although the party was never mentioned in the Public Accounts Committee’s (PAC) investigation report on the matter.

"As a member of the PAC, he should have been aware that the report never stated that there was wrongdoing, misappropriation or corruption involving Umno ministers or leaders.

"(What is public knowledge) now is that there were problems with the (LCS) project management," said Johan.

Two days ago, Fadhli publicly complained about being criticised by "supporters from a certain party" over his views on the LCS controversy.

Among others, Fadhli had recommended that the authorities investigate the LCS controversy because RM6 billion was paid by the government but none of the LCS was delivered on schedule.

Umno Youth communications director Syed Mohd Johan Rizal Syed Unan Mashri

Johan said Fadhli was being ungentlemanly by intentionally implying that Umno was involved with the controversy.

"Moreover, the MACC has charged someone from (LCS contractor) Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd in connection to the controversy.

"Please prove that there are Umno leaders involved in any wrongdoing, abuse of power and corruption, and name them if you are a gentleman and speak based on facts," said Johan.

Fadhli was among the PAC members who investigated the LCS procurement. Among others, the PAC established that Putrajaya ordered a design for the LCS that was not requested by the navy. - Mkini