More direct arms deals via govts to cut out agents, says Khaled
PETALING JAYA : The defence ministry is expanding the use of government-to-government deals in making purchases of military equipment, defence minister Khaled Nordin said today.
Such deals would avoid the use of agents or middlemen, he said, and were part of the government's efforts to improve governance and ensure transparency in the purchases of national defence assets, Bernama reported.
In response to remarks by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong earlier today about not repeating past mistakes in military purchases, Khaled said new proposals would undergo a comprehensive study, involving the end user, namely the armed forces, and would include aspects of suitability, lifespan, safety and technology.
'Any procurement of defence assets is also made based on armed forces' requirements or user-driven,' he said.
Before confirming any procurement, a comprehensive assessment of the actual market price is made to ensure every ringgit spent is at the right price, Khaled said in a statement.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong Sultan Ibrahim had said all parties involved in military procurement must ensure evaluations are conducted transparently, based on market prices and the actual needs of the armed forces, and not merely on the recommendations of agents or those with vested interests.
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