Scorpenes-Altantuya: Guilty as charged!

The verdict is in. Loud and clear. Guilty as charged.The news flashed across the world, resounding through the electronic media, leaving Malaysians stunned and concerned that they are now being led by a man who has "lost it".

Prime Minister Najib Razak has tried all ways and means to insist that he was above board - firom financial skullduggery in the RM7 billion Scorpenes submarines case to the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder, in which he even took an oath on the Quran to say that he never knew her.

But his actions belie his words. On Friday morning, flying in to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport from Penang, French lawyer William Bourdon was arrested and detained before being deported.

Before Bourdon could spill the beans on the Malaysian leader at the second of a 3-part briefing in Malaysia over the Scorpenes corruption and kickbacks case, he was hauled up and shut up.

But for how long can Najib cling to his enforced advantage? Until Bourdon reaches Paris of course, where he can be expected to air his grievances to the international media, which won't mince their words either.

Shortened vacation to block Bourdon: Resign now

Najib would have done better for himself and his nation to have held his hand. He cut short a family holiday in Europe, saying he "wanted to be with the people. But it is clear now his true intentions might be to block Bourdon and the truth from coming out. Calls are now ringing in for Najib to step down immediately,.

"This is a silly move and can only happen because Najib is really on his last legs. There are no other explanation for such nonsense. Just days ago, the PM was preaching to the Pope about the need for moderation, now look at his conduct. To be frank, few believed in his innocence in bth Scorpenes and Altantuya, but like all civil people, we give full benefit of doubt. Now, he has told the world himself he is guilty by his actions," Batu MP Tian Chua told Malaysia Chronicle.

"UMNO is guilty of abuse of power as they are using immigration to protect Najib and themselves. An embarrassment to Malaysia as it involves a French citizen and has become international new. This desperate act proves that they have something to hide," PKR vice president N Surendran told Malaysia Chronicle.

There are also fears among the civil society groups and the diplomatic community here that the Malaysian authorities might 'stuff' Bourdon with false charges to cover up for their high-handedness.

To this end, both Bourdon and his wife Lea Forestier have issued a statement saying categorically that they did nothing wrong. Their return flights are booked for Sunday and the Malaysian authorities want to detain them until then.

But Lea and top Malaysian NGO Suaram is demanding that they get to leave on an immediate flight out or by 11.30 pm tonight.

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