KL streamlines choice of deal

KL streamlines choice of deal

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia would streamline the selection
process for a four billion ringgit (US$1.6 billion) warship
project that has attracted 36 foreign bidders, Defense Minister
Najib Tun Razak said yesterday.

"We (the defense ministry) are going to the cabinet to
streamline the (selection) process, which is complex and
enormous," Najib told reporters.

The government would evaluate in an "expeditious manner" the
bids by companies from, among other countries, Australia,
Britain, Denmark, France, Germany, New Zealand and Sweden, he
said.

Officials said a decision would be made by the end of the
year.

The 36 foreign shipbuilders were bidding for the Royal
Malaysian Navy's offshore patrol vessel contract, which involves
the construction of 27 patrol boats over 20 years, officials
said.