The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) has raised concerns over another potential Scorpene scandal amid plans to sign a new defence agreement with France.

French President Francois Hollande arrived in Kuala Lumpur yesterday for a two-day visit.

"It is noteworthy that this is the second presidential-level visit from France to Malaysia after President Jacques Chirac's state visit in July 2003, the year during which the scandal ridden Scorpene submarine agreement between Malaysia and France was signed.

"C4 is extremely concerned about this renewed attempt at another defence cooperation given the gravity of the wrongs that filled the Scorpene submarine deal...," said C4 executive director Cynthia Gabriel.

She pointed out that a judicial inquiry into kickbacks paid by French companies to Malaysian figures in the purchase of the two Scorpene submarines were still ongoing in the French tribunals.

"A total amount of 114.9 million euro (RM551 million) is being investigated for kickbacks and intensive corrupt practices.

"Two French high level persons involved in the deal have been indicted for paying bribes to a foreign public official, namely Abdul Razak Baginda, hence a repeat of this cannot be allowed to happen with even more defence deals being signed," she said.

Gabriel added that the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu was also in the mix, even thought she was not directly tied to the scandal.

"In light of the foregoing, C4 urges the Defence Ministry to come clean and reveal in Parliament details of the new agreements on defence that will be signed today.

"Malaysia cannot afford to wait for another great robbery and tragedy," she said.