Scorpene inquiry proves 'valid basis' for graft claim
The French judiciary is holding a criminal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Scorpene submarine sale by a French company to Malaysia because it deems this ‘serious enough’ for an investigation.
The French judiciary is holding a criminal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Scorpene submarine sale by a French company to Malaysia because it deems this ‘serious enough’ for an investigation.
PKR vice-president Tian Chua
(left)
confirmed at a press conference at the Parliament lobby today that the matter has yet to reach the trial stage.
“... (But) if the judge believes there were no grounds, he would have stopped the inquiry ... Bernama used technical words to say there is no trial," said Chua.
He was responding to yesterday's report by national news agency Bernama which quoted a French federal prosecutor as saying that there is no trial on the matter.
Once the inquiry is completed, explained Chua, the judge will decide whether or not to hold a trial to charge those involved in the alleged payment of kickbacks.
Unlike under the British adversarial system where judges hear cases, the French Napoleonic Code holds that judges are like “Justice Pao of ancient China, who not only judges but also investigates and prosecutes”, noted Chua.
A French judicial commission of inquiry is investigating alleged corruption in the Scorpene sale after it was brought to the attention of French authorities by local human rights advocacy group Suaram.
Suaram and the opposition have been making much ado about the French inquiry, though the BN-led ruling coalition have continued to downplay the investigation.
Related stories
Suaram probe: ROS issues notice to deceased founder
