A Keadilan leader today criticised the government's move to purchase two submarines from Spain, saying that it is another sign of Barisan Nasional's "commitment to effectively" abuse the country's resources.

Penang Keadilan Bukit Bendera vice-chairperson Raymond Ong, who is an engineer, said the wisdom of purchasing Franco-Spanish boat at RM1.6 billion a unit was "excessive".

He said the government should have opted for the Russian made Kilo class submarines instead which only costs RM760 million each.

"Assuming training and infrastructure building is included the cost (for the Spanish submarines) was still unreasonable," Ong told malaysiakini .

"Singapore currently operates two used diesel subs for training. If Singapore simply replaces them with newer and better design, our submarine force would look over priced and ineffective," he added.

Recently, the Defence Ministry announced that it will purchase 'Scorpene' class diesel attack submarines from Spain for a total price of RM 3.3 billion or Euro 1 billion.

On the other hand, China announced that it was buying eight Kilo class Type 636 submarines for RM6.6 billion.

Most advanced submarines

Many naval experts consider the Type 636 as the most advanced diesel submarine in terms of weapon system, stealth design and hull design.

Ong said he had researched on the first ranked of kilo class submarines from the naval technology website and found the Type 636 to be the quietest one in the world.

He added that the submarine would be capable of detecting an enemy at a range of three to four times greater than it can be detected itself.

"The Royal Malaysian Navy certainly deserves the best equipment but is RM 3.3 billion well spent?" he queried.

Ong said if the kilo class is adopted instead, there would be RM 1.6 billion left over for patrol boats and surveillance aircraft which can be built by local companies for the Navy to combat piracy and smuggling activities.

However, he added that at a time of economic slowdown, the government should spend money within the country and not outside.