Lim noted that BNS had terminated the contracts of Contraves Advanced Devices Sdn Bhd (CAD) and Contraves Electrodynamics Sdn Bhd (CED) for the purchase of equipment from original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) for the ships.

However, he questioned if the relevant OEMs had agreed to supply the equipment for the six ships as agreed under the contracts signed with CAD and CED.

“What are the new milestones for the delivery of the six LCS? Will it be during the 13th Malaysia Plan for 2026 to 2030, when the first Letter of Intent was issued as far back as the 9th Malaysia Plan?” he asked.

According to a report by The Edge, BNS CEO Azhar Jumaat said the termination of CAD and CED’s contracts was not expected to delay the already drawn-out project.

He said the contracts’ termination allowed the company to hold direct negotiations with the OEMs, adding that this could be done within the ships’ proposed delivery period.

“BNS is committed to delivering the vessels in accordance with the new schedule, which is to be negotiated with the government,” he said, according to the financial daily.

On Aug 8, defence minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the first littoral combat ship built by BNS would be completed in “at least a year or two”.

However, this was questioned by the likes of former defence minister Mohamad Sabu and his then deputy, Liew Chin Tong, who said Hishammuddin’s projection was unrealistic.