Tok Mat denies involvement in LCS scandal

Defence Minister Mohamad Hasan has denied claims that he was involved in the littoral combat ship (LCS) scandal, labelling these as an attempt to tarnish his character.

Mohamad said such accusations were baseless as the decision to buy the LCS was made even before he was appointed as defence minister. 

"During the process of procurement, I was not even in Parliament. I was only appointed as the defence minister 11 months ago, so such accusations or claims are a form of character assasination, he is out to tarnish my career," he said at a programme in Paroi, Dataran Senawang, Seremban yesterday.

A video clip on a YouTube page belonging to Raja Petra Raja Kamarudin had accused Mohamad of being involved in the LCS scandal.

The procurement of six LCS vessels by Boustead Naval Shipyard Sdn Bhd became embroiled in scandal after it was found that only 53.29% of the project was complete as of May 31, 2019, despite the contract being signed 10 years ago. 

The Barisan Nasional (BN) deputy chairman also denied that he would soon be sacked as defence minister as he was not aligned with Anwar Ibrahim since he was not seen with the prime minister during the recent election campaign events. 

"Do you know that the defence ministry received the highest special allocation from the prime minister? I appealed for RM200 million and it was approved, to repair and upgrade the homes of armed forces personnel. 

"Those who do not receive pensions were also given a special monthly allowance for those 60 and above, and that involves about 50,000 personnel.

"I appealed for fighter jets, warships, radar, all approved, but some dumbsters claim that I am going to be sacked. I was down with fever for four days and could not attend campaigns. However, there are some who make up baseless stories," he said.

Mohamad, the candidate for Rantau, also urged voters to ignore such claims, as well as those that the federal government will collapse if the results of the six state elections are not in its favour.

He said these claims were baseless as the outcome of the Aug 12 would not affect the federal government. 

"The federal government was formed with a two-thirds majority, and it is not under any threat. There will be no party hopping because the anti-hopping law has been passed and enforced," he said.