PUTRAJAYA, July 30- The disclosure by an architect directly involved in the Scorpene submarine purchase agreement showed the allegations by Suaram, a human rights organisation, over the purchase was a political ploy, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
He said the ministry could not take action against Suaram which created the issue as it was registered as a company.
“But I think if someone makes a police report against the allegations by Suaram, the police can take action as it has tarnished the image of our country and our leaders,” he told reporters, here, today.
He was asked to comment on the revelation by architect Jasbir Singh Chahl, who was involved in the handling of the agreement for the purchase of the two Scorpene submarines by Malaysia, including the fact that Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu was never part of the negotiating team.
Ahmad Zahid said although the issue was unravelled after so long, it was not too late for the government to act against Suaram through the Registrar of Societies or for the police to do so based on the country’s existing laws.
Earlier, he received a courtesy call from the United States embassy’s charge de affaires, Lee McClenny, at his office, here.
On the claim by the wife of lawyer P. Uthayakumar that her husband did not receive proper treatment in prison, Ahmad Zahid said she should not try to create provocation against the Prisons Department .
“I have asked the Prisons Department’s director-general about it and was told that all prisoners received the same treatment regardless of who they are. Please don’t expect special (VIP) treatment in the prison.”
Ahmad Zahid said the prison authority would see that Uthayakumar was medically examined to find out whether he really required specialist treatment or treatment at the prison’s hospital.
Uthayakumar was sentenced to two years and six months’ jail by the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court in June after he was found guilty of writing a seditious letter to former British prime minister Gordon Brown six years ago.
– BERNAMA
