Khaled said he was puzzled as to how his explanation was confusing when it was clarified in detail and based on facts, Harian Metro reported.

He said the 15-year contract the government had signed with Weststar Aviation Services Sdn Bhd was based on the fact that the company had provided its services in other countries, including Saudi Arabia.

Weststar was also involved in the oil and gas sector in Timor-Leste and had provided its services to the national petroleum company, Petronas, he said.

Khaled said Weststar was no ordinary company and had strong finances, which meant it could provide RM4 billion for the maintenance of the helicopters.

“They (the opposition) have no other issues (to raise).

“What part of the explanation is confusing? Don’t make sweeping statements. I presented facts, there was nothing confusing,” he was quoted as saying.

He was responding to Tanah Merah MP Ikmal Hisham Aziz, who told the government to be more transparent over the lease agreement and provide a more detailed breakdown of the costs involved.

Ikmal claimed the explanation provided by Khaled in the Dewan Rakyat last week was inaccurate.

Khaled had said the RM16 billion lease agreement covered more than just the acquisition of the helicopters.

It was previously reported that the lease would also cover maintenance, insurance, and training for over 1,300 personnel, with a guaranteed minimum fleet availability of 85% for all agencies using the helicopters.

At the end of the lease period, the government would have the option to purchase each helicopter for a nominal RM1.