KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysian Navy's Littoral Mission Ship (LMS) Batch Two will be procured via a government to government (G2G) approach, said Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan.
He told the Dewan Rakyat that the Defence Ministry had earlier tabled to the cabinet on Aug 23 on the direction for the procurement of the ships.
"My ministry has tabled at the cabinet meeting on Aug 23 on the direction for the procurement of the LMS Batch Two where it was then decided that it would be done using the G2G approach and that negotiations will be made with selected conditions.
"Before conducting the procurement (via G2G), a market survey was also conducted involving all the companies that have extended their offers," he said.
Mohamad also said that before the commencement of the G2G procurement process, a tender was opened where a total of nine prospective companies had placed their bids for the design of the vessels.
"This was then followed by an evaluation and study by the Royal Malaysian Navy's evaluation committee to look for the right model, specification and combat capabilities.
"Further negotiations will be made first with the companies that pass the qualification level," Mohammad said during the winding up session of the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) mid-term review in Dewan Rakyat today.
He added that at the same time, the two relevant countries would also sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to place accountability on both countries in supporting and monitoring the implementation of the G2G procurement to ensure its success.
The LMS is one of the components of RMN's 15-to-5 Transformation Plan. The ship is designed to carry out enforcement operations in littoral waters of the country.
Malaysia had previously acquired 4 LMS from China dubbed the Keris-class.
However, these ships are seen as not having the necessary combat capability since they are only lightly armed.