Malaysia’s Najib questioned over French submarine deal
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been questioned over the purchase of two French-made submarines, according to an AFP report, citing an official inside the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
The probe centres on a $1.2 billion deal signed 16 years ago when Najib was defence minister to purchase two Scorpene-class submarines.
‘Najib is being probed with regards to the purchase of the two Scorpene-class submarines,’ an official inside the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) familiar with the ongoing probe, told AFP on 20 November.
‘On Monday, MACC officials grilled Najib for four hours over the deal,’ the officer added, requesting anonymity.
French submarine maker DCNS – now called Naval Group – is alleged to have paid more than €114 million ($134 million) to a shell company linked to an associate of Najib who brokered the deal.
The MACC official said the associate may also be questioned to assist in their investigation of the submarine purchase.
A French investigation into procurement has been running since 2010. Najib’s government has denied any wrongdoing.
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