At a time when the controversy surrounding the purchase of the RM3.7 billion Scorpene submarines was turning lukewarm, PKR is reboiling the issue in its Hulu Selangor by-election campaign.

NONE The controversy is set to become the main thrust of the opposition campaign after latest developments have seen the matter being brought to the attention of the French judiciary by several lawyers who want the submarine deal investigated over several allegations of corruption.

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim in his speech to voters in Pekan Kerling yesterday, challenged Prime Minister Najib Razak to answer the allegations surrounding the controversial purchase of the two Scorpene submarines.

Anwar explained, that the matter was raised by two human rights lawyers in France who wanted their government to investigate the matter.

"I am not the one who made the report... You must answer, Najib," he said, throwing the gauntlet at Najib, in front of the 500-strong crowd.

Foreign eyebrows raised

Reports have previously linked the purchase of the submarines with the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu. The recurring interest in the submarines may catapult the deceased model to the fore yet once more.

hulu selangor 180410 tian chua PKR strategic director Tian Chua raised the same issue while speaking to a group of Indian voters at the Victorious Living Assembly church this morning.

In his 15-minute speech, Chua who is also Batu parliamentarian, said that a French authorities had expressed an interest in investigating the government's purchase of the submarines from French naval defence company and shipbuilder DCN.

PKR is also distributing flyers to voters in Hulu Sleangor with details about the submarine purchase.

A check by Malaysiakini today has found pamphlets with pictures of the submarines placed at PKR operations centre, along with pictures of Sukhoi jet fighters, Khir Toyo's mansion and PKFZ.