PEKAN, Oct 19 – Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said today the cabinet had agreed that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) scrutinise the acquisition of the Eurocopter EC725 helicopters to replace the ageing Nuri helicopters.
The deputy prime minister, who is also finance minister, said even though the Defence Ministry’s Secretary-General Datuk Abu Bakar Abdullah had issued a statement clarifying that the acquisition was in accordance with the set regulations and without the influence of any party, it was proper for the PAC to look into the matter.
“At the cabinet meeting last Friday, I suggested that the issue be scrutinised by the PAC ... the PAC can then make its conclusion over the issue,” he told reporters at his Hari Raya open house here today.
Najib said the PAC would begin the process as soon as possible.
Abu Bakar said on Friday that the decision to acquire the Eurocopter aircraft was based on the comprehensive bid made by the company and after it scored the highest marks covering the technical assessment and the offer of a reasonable offset price. – Bernama





