The Defence Ministry has categorically labelled leaders of pro-opposition Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) as liars for telling the public there was a trial in France over the Malaysian purchase of its Scorpene submarines .
Deputy Defence Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said Parti Keadilan Rakyat's member of parliament for Batu, Tian Chua, had confirmed that the non-governmental organisation had lied on the issue during a Parliament session.
He said proof of this is in the Parliament's Hansard dated Nov 21 where Tian Chua's statement on the matter contradicted those of Suaram's.
Only an investigation by an 'investigating magistrate' took place, said Latiff.
In France, an investigating magistrate is a judge who carries out investigations into cases and arranges prosecutions.
He explained that the term meant that a trial was not conducted by a French court as claimed by Suaram.
"It was as if there was a judicial process, but in fact, the term just means there was an investigation," he said, adding that the process was conducted by the French Justice Department.
"The judge can investigate, but he cannot pass a verdict."
He said the investigation was made in lieu of complaints by two lawyers who were appointed by Suaram.
"Suaram was trying to confuse the rakyat by calling an investigation a trial."
On a separate matter, Latiff reminded veterans of the armed forces who were eligible for the Non-Pensionable Veterans (STB1M) aid to return their forms to receive a RM1,000 one-off payment.
The RM1,000 one-off payment was for ex-servicemen who had opted for early retirement.
Sumber: NSTP
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