The government's planned purchase of submarines would not be put out to tender because that is the common practice where defence contracts are concerned, unlike in other business transactions, said a defence ministry official today.

"When we purchase submarines, it does not go through a tender process like any other normal business transaction," the official told malaysiakini.

According to the official, the companies involved would offer their expertise, "look at Malaysia's requirements and say that they have a certain equipment for sale".

Earlier, Defence Minister Najib Abdul Razak told a press conference that several countries had made offers and the government is in the process of deciding which to accept.

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