Scorpene submarines probe: Sangeet presses MACC for updates
Published: Jan 23, 2026 3:40 PM
Updated: 6:54 PM
DAP Women's legal bureau head Sangeet Kaur Deo has pressed the MACC for a “clear and substantive” update on the status of the Scorpene submarines investigations, including whether the probe remains active and what steps have been taken since the identification of new leads.
In the wake of the graft scandal rocking the military, the lawyer said there has been renewed emphasis on confronting corruption within defence procurement.
“This has been reinforced by remarks from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong that corruption within the military and other state institutions must be addressed,” she noted in a statement.
Against this backdrop, Sangeet highlighted that the procurement of the Scorpene submarines is a long-standing matter that warrants renewed attention, as it remains unresolved more than two decades after the transaction.
In 2024, MACC confirmed that its investigation into the 2002 Scorpene submarine purchase was still ongoing, and that the commission had identified new leads, including possible misappropriation of approximately RM42 million linked to payments under the Scorpene contract, with individuals to be summoned to assist in the probe.
She pointed out that since those public statements in 2024, there has been no further substantive public update on the status, progress, or direction of the Scorpene investigations.
Scrutiny beyond Malaysia
Sangeet said the Scorpene procurement has, over the years, attracted scrutiny beyond Malaysia, with foreign judicial authorities pursuing related corruption investigations arising from the same transaction.
Sangeet Kaur Deo
“Civil society organisations have repeatedly called for transparency and meaningful cooperation, citing the absence of clear outcomes despite repeated assurances that investigations remain ongoing.
“In fact, it is a matter of public record that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, prior to assuming office, had openly questioned the lack of domestic progress on the Scorpene investigations and called for accountability in relation to the transaction, particularly in light of actions taken by foreign authorities.
“Since assuming executive responsibility, however, there has been no public update on the government’s position on the status of the Scorpene investigations,” she added.
Sangeet said in the present climate, where corruption in defence procurement is acknowledged as a systemic concern, the government should provide clarification of its stand, consistent with the calls previously made.
Najib oversaw purchases
Former premier Najib Abdul Razak, when he was the defence minister, had overseen the purchases of the two submarines in 2002.
The submarines, named KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Razak, arrived in Malaysia in September 2009 and July 2010, respectively.
“Civil society organisations have repeatedly called for transparency and meaningful cooperation, citing the absence of clear outcomes despite repeated assurances that investigations remain ongoing.
“In fact, it is a matter of public record that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, prior to assuming office, had openly questioned the lack of domestic progress on the Scorpene investigations and called for accountability in relation to the transaction, particularly in light of actions taken by foreign authorities.
“Since assuming executive responsibility, however, there has been no public update on the government’s position on the status of the Scorpene investigations,” she added.
Sangeet said in the present climate, where corruption in defence procurement is acknowledged as a systemic concern, the government should provide clarification of its stand, consistent with the calls previously made.
Najib oversaw purchases
Former premier Najib Abdul Razak, when he was the defence minister, had overseen the purchases of the two submarines in 2002.
The submarines, named KD Tunku Abdul Rahman and KD Tun Razak, arrived in Malaysia in September 2009 and July 2010, respectively.
Najib Abdul Razak
However, the acquisition was mired in controversy both in Malaysia and France.
In April 2022, a French judge charged the defence firm Thales with complicity in bribery related to the sale of the submarines to Malaysia.
At the time, Thales said it “strongly contests” the charges.
However, the acquisition was mired in controversy both in Malaysia and France.
In April 2022, a French judge charged the defence firm Thales with complicity in bribery related to the sale of the submarines to Malaysia.
At the time, Thales said it “strongly contests” the charges.
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