LETTER | MACC must provide transparent updates on Scorpene investigations

LETTER | Suaram lodged a complaint with the French authorities in 2010 regarding alleged corruption/bribery of Malaysian Officials pertaining to the Scorpene deal with DCNS (now called Naval Group).

Suaram continues to actively follow proceedings in France, which are ongoing. Recent developments in the French proceedings have seen the French public prosecutors make recommendations that four individuals (including one Malaysian) and four legal entities be referred to the Criminal Court of Paris for trial.

Closer to home, Suaram refers to developing investigations as published in the following news reports:

1. New Straits Times (April 25, 2024): “MACC says 22-year probe into Scorpene submarine case still ongoing”; and

2. Malay Mail (July 29, 2024): “MACC to summon four individuals next week for Scorpene submarine probe”.

The MACC is commended for its uncompromising stand on corruption, having relentlessly pursued these investigations over the years. Given the recent disclosure by the MACC of “new leads being discovered, focusing on the misappropriation of RM42 million”, we seek further disclosure of the current status of investigations.

It is hoped that the MACC will leave no stone unturned in the face of yet another scandal plaguing Malaysia. Thorough and decisive investigations are non-negotiable to maintain transparency and accountability. Public trust must never be eroded, nor the rule of law be weakened.

Malaysia’s reputation is once again at stake and we call upon the government to address allegations of corruption, which potentially implicates its integrity. The government must extend all cooperation necessary to facilitate ongoing investigations by authorities, locally or abroad, as a testament to its commitment to eradicating corruption at all costs.

In this regard, it is fitting to revive the call by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim in April 2022 wherein he was reported to have urged Putrajaya (then) to ramp up its probe into the Scorpene scandal, in line with the escalation of the French probe into the allegations of corruption concerning the sale of submarines to Malaysia in the same year.

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.