Scorpene deal: ‘I did not receive any subpoena’

Central figure to the deal, Jasbir Singh Chahl, has denied reports of a French court subpoena in relation to the Scorpene investigation.

(FMT) – The original negotiator of the Scorpene submarine deal, Jasbir Singh Chahl, has dismissed reports that he was subpoenaed by the French court in regard to the submarine purchase in 2002.

In a two-paragraph statement today, Jasbir said that the report was false and claimed it was an attempt to discredit his reputation and credibility.

“These are false and distressing allegations made by someone whom I don’t know and have never met,” he said.

On Friday, Suaram director Cynthia Gabriel said that Jasbir is the first Malaysian to be subpoenaed as witness for the Scorpene purchase case going on at Tribunal De Grande Instance in Paris.

Claiming Jasbir to be the central figure in the submarine deal, Gabriel said the former would be compelled to reveal details on the procurement which was done via French submarine maker, DCNS.

France is currently investigating the case following Suaram’s complaint in 2009, claiming there were elements of corruption in the purchase.

It is said that Razak’s company, Perimekar Sdn Bhd, received kickbacks worth 550 million euros in the deal and is closely linked to the death of Mongolian translator, Altantuya Shaaribu.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak was serving as the Defence Minister at the time of during the transactions.