Scorpene inquiry: Gov't to respond on June 26

The government will break its silence on developments in the ongoing French probe into alleged corruption linked to Malaysia’s purchase of two Scorpene-class submarines from shipyard DCNS.

"On June 26, I am going to reply on the matter (in there)," said Defence Minister Zahid Hamidi said, pointing to the chamber housing the Dewan Rakyat.

He was responding to a question on the alleged saleof a secret Malaysian navy document to the French, at a press conference in the Parliament lobby today.

Quizzed on the subpoenas expected to be issued by the French court to himself and other Malaysian government officials and ministers, he reiterated that he would reply on the same date.

Pressed further, he simply told reporters to "wait until the 26th".

"I cannot pre-empt the matter. You will have to come and listen then," he said.

[More to follow]