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New Straits Times

[UPDATED] Don't procure 'rubbish' for GGK, King warns

KUALA LUMPUR: His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, has warned against the procurement of "rubbish" assets that do not meet the Special Forces Regiment's (GGK) needs. In his royal address at the GGK's 60th anniversary celebration in Mersing, the king said the government must prioritise improving the regiment's readiness by ensuring all procurements are done carefully. Sultan Ibrahim, who is the GGK Colonel Commandant, said purchases must be based on the real needs of the user and market price, not on agents' recommendations. He said buying irrelevant or overpriced assets is wasteful and a loss to the nation. "Don't waste time buying rubbish that does not meet the military's needs. If you don't know the price, ask me first," Sultan Ibrahim said in his royal address. He said five years ago he spoke out against the procurement of a Rigid Riding Craft, which cost RM5 million, though a better boat could have been purchased for under RM2 million. "Recently, I found out there was a proposal to buy the same boat, but a slightly larger one, for almost RM10 million. This is illogical and needs to be properly reviewed," the king said. "Besides the price, the quality of the purchased goods must also be prioritised. "What happened to the combat diving pool at this camp that was supposed to be finished in 2022, but still cannot be used until now?" Sultan Ibrahim said. The delay in the construction of the diving pool at a military camp in Mersing was previously reported to be affecting the training of GGK officers and soldiers. Then, Sultan Ibrahim demanded accountability over the matter.