Razak Baginda: I have not been charged in France over Scorpene deal (Updated)

PETALING JAYA: Political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda (pix)has denied that he has been charged in France over the purchase of Scorpene submarines in 2002.
A formal investigation has taken place, he said in a statement issued by his office on Tuesday evening.
“The French inquiry is on alleged corruption in the purchase of the Scorpene submarines in 2002. It must be emphasised that it's an ongoing inquiry and no formal charges in a court of law have been brought against any individual(s),” it said.
“French news reports on July 19 2017 and Aug 1 2017 have stated that individuals involved in the purchase have been ‘charged’. These reports have been carried in other mass media and are misleading. The term ‘charged’ in the context of the inquiry means placing the said individuals under ‘formal investigation’.”
The statement explained that the French legal process is different from Malaysia. In Malaysia, a person suspected of a crime is investigated and if there is sufficient evidence, the person is then charged in a court of law.
“The universal principle in any criminal proceeding is ‘a person is innocent until proven guilty’. Any criminal prosecution has to be based on evidence and not hearsay or narratives. Dr Razak Baginda has not been charged in any court of law in France,” it said.
The statement said Razak Baginda welcomed the French inquiry as he has not committed any crime of corruption or breached any laws in the matter.
The inquiry by the French is welcomed as Dr Razak Baginda has not committed any crime of corruption or breached any laws in the matter.
“It is highly regrettable that the news reports are misleading and the correct facts of the matter is not reported,” it added.
On Tuesday, AFP reported that Abdul Razak had been charged in Paris on July 18 over alleged kickbacks in the purchase of the submarines.