The prime minister’s continued silence on whether he will appear in the French court for the Scorpene inquiry in Paris will reflect badly on the Malaysian government, says Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo.

NONE “The reluctance of prime minister (Najib Abdul Razak) to testify in a court case in Paris in the ongoing investigation into a submarine deal reflects badly on Malaysia.

“It reflects poorly on the PM, who has promised reforms and committed himself towards fighting corruption,” Gobind ( right ) said in an email last night.

“As PM, it is his duty to speak up to clear all concerns affecting his government. That would be in the interests of the entire nation, particularly at international levels,” he added.

On Sunday Najib refused to comment on whether he intended to testify in the French court after the complainant Suaram listed he and Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in their witness list .

"I don't need to comment... I don't want to comment, thank you," he said curtly at a dialogue session with Chinese and Indian NGOs at Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang

Suaram filed a case in 2010 against French-owned defence giant DCNS for allegedly paying illegal commissions to top Malaysian officials in the sale of two Scorpene class submarines to the Malaysian government in 2002.

The highly-anticipated inquiry kicked off last week.

Zahid subsuently announced that he would not attend the inquiry, nor does he intend to send any ministry representative, a U-turn from his statement last May.

At that time, he had said, “They may challenge us in court. We want to be more transparent. On allegations made by them, let the court reveal the truth.” 

Putting local authorities to shame

Gobind said the fact that Malaysians had to seek justice abroad was “already bad enough” without the PM’s silence.

He said it reflected poorly on Malaysian authorities, “especially the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC)”.

“It is an indication of the lack of faith Malaysians have in local investigative bodies.

“Now, with a clear platform to put things right, in open court, the PM must rise to the occasion. He must stand up for his country and resolve all questions raised over the matter,” said the DAP parliamentarian.