Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak (centre)(Photo: Inquirer.net) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak was questioned on November 20 over the purchase of two French-made submarines during the time he was defence minister.
Since his election loss earlier this year, Najib has faced numerous charges, most of which were related to the 1Mlaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) scandal.
However, the latest probe revolves around a controversial 1.2 billion USD deal signed 16 years ago when Najib was defence minister, purchasing two Scorpene-class submarines.
The French submarine maker, then known as DCNS, is alleged to have paid more than 114 million EUR in kickbacks to a shell company linked to Abdul Razak Baginda, a close associate to Najib, who brokered the deal.
According to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), Razak Baginda may also be hauled up to assist in their investigation of the submarine purchase.
A French investigation ongoing since 2010 has found four French executives involved in the deal. However, Razak Baginda, Najib’s government, and the four French executives have denied any wrongdoing.
DCNS has since changed its name to Naval Group.–VNA
VNA
