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September 26, 2008 22:10 PM
Eurocopter Awarded Tender To Replace Nuri
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The Defence Ministry has agreed to acquire new helicopters from European helicopter manufacturers, Eurocopter, to replace the Nuri, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi announced Friday.
He said the ministry was now scrutinising the clauses in the agreement before signing it officially with the company concerned.
"I have been told that the Defence Ministry has identified Eurocopter as the replacement for Nuri.
"The Defence Ministry had received many applications from international aircraft manufacturers and suppliers," Abdullah, who is also the Defence Minister, told reporters after attending a special briefing at Wisma Pertahanan, Jalan Padang Tembak, here.
On Sept 17, Abdullah handed over the post of Finance Minister to Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and took over the Defence Ministry. Abdullah had once held the Defence Minister's post from 1986 to 1987.
He said the selection of Eurocopter was based on the criteria stipulated by the Defence Ministry as well as the specifications of the helicopter.
"We go for the best. The selection was made without discrimination. The tender must be awarded properly," he said.
Abdullah said the time had come for the Nuri helicopters to be put out of commission as it had been used for a long time and had been involved in several fatal accidents.
Meanwhile, when asked how he felt about assuming the Defence Minister's post after 12 years, Abdullah said: "I feel good to be here again."
Asked about his priorities for the ministry, he said they included building living quarters for military officers and other ranks throughout the country.
On weaponry, he said the Defence Ministry had no problems with the existing weapon system.
"In terms of weaponry currently, there is no problem but the armaments will be upgraded according to the country's needs," Abdullah said.
In another development, he said Datuk Tiki Lafe had been appointed to succeed Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye as Chairman of the National Service Training Council.
-- BERNAMA
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