Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his two deputies arrived back at the Langkawi airport by helicopter about 7pm today, after spending 90 minutes inside the Scorpene submarine off the coast of the resort island.
Other than deputy chief ministers Mansor Othman and P Ramasamy, three reporters, one from Bernama and two from TV3, had also accompanied Lim in the submarine journey.
Operations navy chief Jamil Osman led the group into the submarine.
Journalists were also surprised when they saw blogger Zikri Mohammed, who writes under the name 'Big Dog', arriving at the airport by helicopter with the Penang government trio.
When they arrived at the Langkawi airport at 6.55pm, they were received by Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
Lim's father, Kit Siang, said in in his tweet: "Got call from Lim Guan Eng after his more than 90-minute Scorpene submarine dive with two deputies. Pity Zahid not with them."
Earlier, Zahid spoke to reporters at the airfield, saying that the submarine KD Tun Razak dived 140 feet about 45 nautical miles off the Langkawi coast.
"It truly, truly dived. I hope after this, they will tell the truth about the submarine's condition. Today, I am open and I hope this issue would not be manipulated," he said.
Zahid also said that the need to protect the country's national security should never be questioned.
Asked about his experience, Lim did not say whether he was satisfied or disappointed.
"We respect the contribution of the navy and appreciate their contribution to the country's security," he said.
When asked about the trip, Lim said it was interesting and exciting, saying he was “impressed” with the professionalism and ability of the navy personnel.
He admitted that the submarine really dived but the question of cost of the submarine is still disputable.
Lim was asked several times whether he was satisfied with the performance of the submarine and what he would tell the other opposition leaders.
He merely replied jokingly, “Don’t ask me this now in front of Zahid, later”.
Lim said no one disputed the need for submarines nor the contribution of the navy for the sake of the country’s security.
“This is supported by all citizens who would feel proud about the navy’s contribution.
“We do not dispute the ability of the navy but we have different views with the government about the cost of the submarines,” he stressed.
'Lifetime experience'
When asked, Ramasamy said that the trip was a “lifetime experience”.
He added that the group had to take a small boat to the submarine from the frigate which was located some distance away from the Scorpene.
He added that upon arrival at the sub, the group had to walk slowly two floors down to be briefed and shown around the vehicle.
He stressed that the submarine dived very slowly as “the water was very shallow”.
"We also visited the living quarters of the personnel and found them very, very small," he said.
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