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It said this could be achieved by only prioritising what is necessary for the project.
“The finance ministry should play a more proactive role in ensuring no wastage of public funds in the LCS construction project,” it added.
The recommendation was one of five presented by PAC in its report published today on the progress of the LCS project between June and September this year.
The report also looked at the cost increase associated with the sixth supplementary contract signed with Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd (BNS) on May 26, amounting to an additional RM2.098 billion.
According to the report, the committee found that the RM2.098 billion took into account savings of RM450 million from reducing the number of ships from six to five.
PAC also suggested that the defence ministry adhere to international project management standards in presenting progress reports on both physical and financial aspects.
“The defence ministry is recommended to continue presenting progress reports on the LCS project every three months to PAC until the project is completed,” it added.
“PAC reserves the right to present progress reports periodically as needed.”
The LCS project, said to be the largest defence procurement in Malaysia’s history with a total cost of RM9 billion, came under intense scrutiny last year after PAC revealed that not one of the six ships had been completed although Putrajaya had already paid RM6.08 billion.
In February, defence minister Mohamad Hasan said the project cost would remain the same although the navy would only receive five frigates instead of the original six.
He said there would be no reduction in the cost previously approved due to the many variations from the original order as well as inflation.
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