Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), the complainant in the Scorpene submarine scandal before the French courts, welcomes the latest developments from the French authorities in relation to ongoing investigations and potential charges against individuals linked to the 2002 scandal.
In stark contrast, the continued silence of the “Madani” (trustworthy) government is disappointing.
The latest revelations, reported by Bloomberg on 20 May and The Edge Malaysia on 21 May, make it clear that Malaysia is once again entangled in a globally scrutinised corruption scandal – one that involves vast sums of public money and individuals formerly at the highest levels of power.
French prosecutors have now recommended that Abdul Razak Baginda – a key figure in the submarine deal and close associate of former Prime Minister Najib Razak – be charged for complicity in corruption and misuse of corporate assets. He is currently appealing that recommendation.
These serious findings relate to how the 2002 submarine contracts were allegedly used to funnel illicit payments through companies linked to him.
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The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) itself publicly confirmed in July 2024 that it had uncovered new leads into the RM42m payout linked to the Scorpene deal.
And yet, since then, there has been complete silence. Why? How is it that French authorities have found sufficient grounds to proceed with potential criminal charges, while the MACC appears to have stalled?
Adding to this concern, Suaram wrote formally to the MACC on 30 September 2024, seeking clarification on the progress of its investigations and urging full cooperation with the French authorities. That letter has never received a response.
Not only is this a matter of international embarrassment, it also raises the question whether Malaysia has the political will to confront its past and hold the powerful accountable.
What is the Malaysian government’s position? Why has there been no response, no transparency and no action in the face of these revelations?
The Scorpene scandal is not a relic of the past. It is part of a continuing pattern of abuse mirrored in scandals such as the 1MDB fiasco and other unresolved scandals that speak of a deep rot in our institutions.
The theft of public funds and the compromise of national interests demand clear answers from the government.
Despite the Malaysian government’s refusal to take a clear and firm position on corruption allegations involving the purchasers linked to the Ministry of Defence, Suaram – on behalf of the people of Malaysia – will continue to pursue accountability and participate in the French proceedings. – Suaram
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
