Explain Rm16b Helicopter Rental Contract Opposition Tells Govt

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PARLIAMENT | The opposition today demanded an explanation from Putrajaya over its decision to spend RM16 billion for a 15-year rental of 28 helicopters which will be used by security forces.
According to Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut), the cost is too much if compared with the amount spent by Poland to purchase 32 units of helicopters of the same model - AgustaWestland AW139 - which was estimated to be around RM8.9 billion.
“Yesterday, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong in his decree said personal issues must not be brought (into the Dewan Rakyat) and MPs must defend the rakyat’s interests.
“So, why did the government make the decision to rent helicopters for such a high price? Once again, someone is making money.
Opposition Leader Hamzah Zainudin (PN-Larut)“The rental costs of RM16.6 billion for 28 units of AW139 helicopters are much higher compared to if we were to acquire the aircrafts directly from its manufacturer, around RM3.954 billion.
“Poland purchased 32 helicopters of the same model - AW139 - which included a package where the helicopters are assembled in their own country. Their costs were only US$2 billion (about RM8.9 billion).
“So why are our rental costs reaching RM16.6 billion?,” Hamzah said when debating the king’s royal address in the Dewan Rakyat today.
AgustaWestland AW139 helicopterAdding further, the Larut MP said the Philippines had acquired 32 units of S70 Black Hawk helicopters for US$600 million.
Thus, Hamzah said, he is concerned that there is a scandal behind the decision to rent helicopters for the nation’s security agencies.
“During Perikatan Nasional’s time in the government, the Home Ministry rejected this idea of renting helicopters because a thorough study revealed that it would be much cheaper to buy them.
“We do not want what happened with the LCS (Royal Malaysian Navy’s littoral combat ships) to repeat itself.
“The government should have considered the factors of commonality, price, and quality when acquiring defence assets,” he said.
PAC should investigate
Hamzah pointed out that the Royal Malaysian Air Force has been operating 12 units of EC725 helicopters which have been proven to be better than the AW139 in terms of durability, technology, size, and battle specifications.
The Bersatu deputy president said EC725 should have been considered by the government as using helicopters of the same model would help them save on maintenance costs.
“It is ironic that YAB Tambun (Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim) always attacks the ultra-rich, but the rakyat knows that he used a Weststar helicopter when campaigning in the 15th general election,” Hamzah said.
The opposition leader then challenged the government to get the Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) to investigate the helicopter rental issue.
“If not, the rakyat will accuse the government of practising ‘I scratch your back, you scratch mine’,” he quipped. - Mkini

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