Govt defends green light for controversial LCS project

The government today said that the littoral combat ship (LCS) project had been continued in order to ensure the country's maritime readiness and in the interests of national defence.

Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan also said that the decision was in line with that of previous governments.

"We need to look ahead. This is why we decided to continue with the LCS project, to strengthen the country's defence system. 

"We cannot be boxed in by anyone due to our own weaknesses," he said during the question-and-answer session at the Dewan Rakyat today. 

Mohamad also said that questions such as who Malaysia would go to war with should not be made an issue as the country's defences must be always prepared for any eventuality. 

"We must always be prepared, and the country's defences must be strengthened and equipped with the necessary assets," he said. 

The defence ministry previously said it had considered terminating the contract for the six LCS vessels due to delays in construction since 2019. 

It said the decision to continue with the project would ensure the jobs of some 1,600 local workers and more than 400 vendor companies consisting of Bumiputera SMEs.