The RM6 billion in government funds channelled to Boustead Naval Shipyard (BNS) for the construction of littoral combat ships (LCS) could have been used to build hundreds of bridges in the Sabah interiors to aid school children who were reportedly risking their lives for basic education.
Sabah Muda chairperson Shahrizal Denci said this in rejecting BNS' explanation on the progress of the LCS project - which failed to be completed on time - joining around 200 protesters who gathered for about one hour in Kuala Lumpur today.
"The LCS scandal is not just a Klang Valley issue. How many bridges, how many roads can we build in Sabah with RM6 billion?
"Today I flew in from Sabah to join this protest, demanding answers from the government on a matter of national security," he added.
Referencing the reported threats on Sabah's sovereignty from purported Sulu sultanate heirs, Shahrizal stressed that the vessels were intended to boost the Royal Malaysian Navy's readiness in protecting the country’s waters.
"Can we fight the Philippines using 'invisible' ships?
"How are we to fight the pirates in Semporna using wooden vessels?" he asked.
Many of the protesters carried placards highlighting the alleged theft of public funds linked to previous and current ministers involved in approving the LCS project which was first awarded to BNS in 2011 through direct negotiation.
A Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report revealed a huge overrun in cost amounting to RM1.4 billion in the RM9 billion contract, with RM6 billion paid as of 2020.
People care
Another speaker at the protest, PKR vice-president Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad pointed out how the RM6 billion, which was spent with no tangible outcome, could have been used to assist hundreds of poor schools.
The Setiawangsa MP added that the issue is close to many veterans registered as voters in his constituency as it is a matter of national concern and directly impacts the safety of Malaysia's security forces.
"Politicians out there who stole the money, they are not the ones going to fight (in battle).
"The ones fighting to protect us are the navy, army and security forces," said Nik Nazmi.
A media tour of the LCS shipyard yesterday revealed that five of the six ships are under construction, with the first ship at 60 percent completion as of April and it is expected to take another two years, despite an initial 2019 delivery deadline.
BNS chief executive officer Azhar Jumaat, however, maintained that the RM6 billion funds supplied to the company were being fully utilised, despite cash flow issues.
Bipartisan issue
Johor DAP deputy chairperson Sheikh Umar Bagharib Ali said the issue at hand should unite Malaysians against an act of corruption, transcending race and religion.
"On behalf of the DAP, we will remain consistent in fighting this corruption till the end," he added.
Aside from leaders from Muda and Pakatan Harapan, Bersatu Youth information chief Ashraf Mustaqim Badrul Munir also joined the speakers to demand the government be accountable for public funds spent on the project.
Met later, Ashraf said his participation in the demonstration was based on the LCS issue being a matter of bipartisan interest.
"This matter represents the voice of the people.
"My presence today is evidence of a new path of democracy in Malaysia and what should be a new political culture," Ashraf told Malaysiakini.
Muda president Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman as the last speaker welcomed the government's decision to declassify a forensic audit report on the LCS procurement.
"However, everything in the report must be revealed openly. Do not edit any names in the report," he said.
Throughout the protest, some 100 uniformed police personnel were seen in formation circling the Sogo Shopping Complex, preventing any attempts from protesters to move to the streets.
Protest organisers declared the rally over at around 3.15pm and the area was cleared soon after.
Following the protest, Dang Wangi district police chief Noor Delhan Yahya said in a statement later that police will be calling in at least 13 people for questioning.
They are being investigated under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act - which requires that police be informed of a protest five days in advance. - Mkini
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