Razak Baginda quizzed over submarine deal

Having disappeared from the Malaysian limelight after the high profile murder trial of Mongolian Altantuyaa Sharibuu, Abdul Razak Baginda emerged last night at a talk in Kuala Lumpur.

He had gone over to London for further studies following hisacquittal in the case.

Abdul Razak, who obtained a PhD from Oxford University, spoke at the Oxford and Cambridge Society Malaysia’s (Oxbridge Malaysia) ongoing ‘Small Talk, Big Bites’ series at The Bankers Club in Jalan Imbi.

According to the society’s website, the “candid” talk was on “religious and political challenges facing Malaysia today”.

A limited number of 60 guests were invited to the event.

It is understood that Abdul Razak, who was the chief of Perimekar Sdn Bhd, which acted as an agent in the controversial purchase of the two Scorpene submarines, had also defended his involvement in the deal.

Abdul Razak, who took the stage during the question and answer session, is believed to have said that the submarine deal was above board.

Details of the questions and his answers, however, cannot be disclosed as the Chatham House rule applies.

The Chatham House rule is invoked at meetings so as to encourage openness and the sharing of information.

Court case in Paris

Oxbridge Malaysia promotes social, recreational and cultural activities between past and present members of the Cambridge and Oxford universities and Malaysia.

Prior to this, Abdul Razak had appeared in several forums in the region in his capacity of director of the UK-based NGO Islamic Peace Foundation.

He is currently the senior associate member of St Antony's College, Oxford.

The Scorpene submarines scandal has now reached the French courts, with Malaysian human rights NGO Suaram having filed a civil suit against French arms dealer DCN for alleged kickbacks paid to Perimekar. The case is pending trial.