Govt mulls task force to probe French submarine deal

KUALA LUMPUR: The Cabinet is discussing the setting up of a special task force to investigate alleged corruption during the purchase of two French submarines in 2002 when the defence ministry was headed by embattled former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak.
French financial prosecutors are probing the sale of the Scorpene-class submarines built by state-controlled warship builder DCN International (DCNI), and have placed Abdul Razak Baginda, a former aide to Najib, under formal investigation in connection with the deal.
Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu said today that a proposed task force looking into the deal will be discussed in Cabinet, but did not elaborate further.
"It's too early for me to comment because this task force will be discussed with Cabinet," Mat Sabu was quoted as saying in an online report by Singapore-based broadcaster Channel News Asia.
Razak Baginda advised Najib on the 2002 submarine deal. He has denied wrongdoing, and the previous Malaysian government denied allegations of corruption. Telephone calls made by Reuters to Abdul Razak were unanswered.
The French probe began after Malaysian human rights group Suaram alleged that the sale resulted in some US$130 million (RM516.88 million) of commissions being paid to a company linked to Najib.
There has been no evidence linking Najib directly to corruption in the deal, and he and his supporters have consistently denied any wrongdoing. Najib could not be reached today for a comment on the task force. — Reuters