Kj Backs Leasing Of Choppers But Calls For Greater Transparency

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The government said it is leasing 28 AgustaWestland 139 helicopters from Weststar for 15 years instead of buying them. (Wikipedia pic)
PETALING JAYA: Former health minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the government’s decision to lease 28 AgustaWestland 139 helicopters from Weststar is more cost-efficient than purchasing the aircraft.
He suggested, however, that the government make the details of the deal public.
In the latest episode of the Keluar Sekejap podcast, Khairy said even if the helicopters were purchased at a lower price instead of leasing them, there were additional expenses that had to be factored in.
Weststar, on the other hand, would cover the costs for maintenance, procurement of spare parts, and training of pilots for 15 years, the former Umno Youth leader said.
He also pointed out that Weststar would guarantee 85% serviceability for all the helicopters and ensure that 85% of the assets were operational at all times, which was a “notably high percentage”.
He said the general serviceability rates were typically below 60%.
“If Weststar fails to maintain this standard, they can be fined up to RM80,000 per helicopter, as per standard leasing practices,” he said.
Khairy said that unlike government-owned helicopters, which were often not insured for tactical purposes, Weststar’s helicopters were insured with premiums fully covered by the company.
His co-host, Shahril Hamdan, also called for transparency in the procurement process, and details of add-on costs.
He said the competitive bidding process or request for proposal should be clarified.
Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin had questioned the government’s decision to lease 28 AgustaWestland 139 helicopters for 15 years for RM16.6 billion, arguing that it would have been cheaper to buy the helicopters instead.
Hamzah said in the Dewan Rakyat that purchasing the helicopters directly from the manufacturer would have cost only RM3.95 billion.
Khairy suggested for the government to do a price comparison between leasing the helicopters from Weststar or purchasing them directly from their manufacturer, Leonardo.
“We hope those add-ons or additional services that come from Weststar in this lease agreement can be further explained so people will understand the terms agreed upon by the government,” he said.
Yesterday, law and institutional reform minister Azalina Othman Said said the government had opted to lease the helicopters to optimise its spending by distributing RM16.6 billion more sustainably over 15 years. - FMT

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