Azam denies probe into LCS construction has stopped

 

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has never stopped probing into the construction of the littoral combat ships (LCS), said its chief commissioner Azam Baki.

He said the investigation into the case is currently at the agency level, where it is contacting relevant parties abroad to collect information.

“I deny allegations by outside parties that the investigation into the LCS case has stopped. It is still active and ongoing.

“Apart from that, the MACC is also applying for mutual legal assistance through the Attorney-General’s Chambers, for some (documents and evidence) that we need,” Azam said.

He said this to reporters after officiating the agency’s new Gua Musang branch office, located on the first floor of Bangunan Persekutuan, today.

Azam added that several individuals involved in the case had been charged in court.

“MACC will not interfere in LCS administrative matters that involve the government, such as the project’s budget.

“MACC’s investigations are guided by and focused on the abuse of power and malpractice, which occurred in the LCS project,” he said.

Positive signs

When asked to comment about the purchase of the Scorpene submarines, Azam said the anti-graft agency is still actively investigating the case.

“Currently, MACC is still in contact with related parties abroad, to obtain information and evidence regarding some of the transactions carried out.

“Alhamdulillah, there are positive signs from foreign parties who provided the documents and evidence that we requested,” he said.

Azam said he would announce the findings once investigations into the case were completed.

Najib Abdul Razak, as the defence minister in 2002, oversaw the purchase of two Scorpene-type submarines and one Agosta-type submarine from the French naval shipyard unit, DCN. The deal was worth nearly €1 billion.

The submarines, named Kapal Diraja (KD) Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Razak, arrived in Malaysia in September 2009 and July 2010 respectively.

- Bernama