Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will accompany Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on a trip on board the KD Tun Razak submarine on Friday, to disprove opposition allegations that it is unable to submerge.

Ahmad Zahid said he and Lim, who is also DAP secretary-general, will board the Royal Malaysian Navy's second of two Scorpene submarines at the 11th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2011 (Lima) at the Awana Porto Malai at 3pm.

He said this was an indication that the defence minister was on hand to observe the workings of the submarine, which was alleged to have been unable to submerge.

NONE "Guan Eng telephoned me yesterday to say he was coming here.

"Although the submarine was to serve as a static exhibition at Lima this time, I have nevertheless, asked that it gives him a ride."

Ahmad Zahid was speaking at a press conference at the Mahsuri International Exhibition Centre (MIEC) in Langkawi today.

He said he had sent invitations to all members of parliament and senators, including those in the opposition, to board the submarine and embark on a diving stint.

The defence minister said that (apart from Lim) Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar had replied that she would not be able to participate in the submarine trip.

He said those who criticised a lot were apparently not brave enough to embark on a trip in the submarine.

- Bernama