Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has called on politicians to stop politicising national defence issue.

"Although we may have differences in opinion, we should stick to the truth and not go to the extent of damaging the country's image, especially in matters concerning national defence," he told reporters in Bagan Datoh.

NONE He was commenting on the police report lodged by the Royal Malaysian Navy at the Hulu Kelang police station two days ago against Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar and Malay Mail reporter Marhalim Abas over the claims that the country's first submarine, KD Tunku Abdul Rahman , was unable to dive.

Speaking to reporters after attending the breaking of fast at the Sungai Keli Mosque here yesterday, Ahmad Zahid said Nurul Izzah's statement, published by Indonesia's Kompas newspaper on Aug 4, had undermined the country's image.

Describing the act as that of a " penderhaka " (traitor), Ahmad Zahid said the statement had damaged the country's image in the eyes of the world.

"As a member of parliament, she should have been more ethical. But the manner in which she disparages the Malaysian Armed Forces is utterly disgraceful," he said.

On the Malay Mail article, Ahmad Zahid said he had given his answer in parliament explaining that the submarine could dive, otherwise "how was it possible for the submarine to voyage all the way from France to Sepanggar Bay in Sabah?"

The newspaper reported on July 7 that the submarine suffered a technical defect that prevented it from diving.

- Bernama