INVESTIGATIONS into the controversial purchase of Scorpene submarines are going well, with the judiciary authorities in Malaysia and France handling the matter, said French Ambassador to Malaysia Frédéric Laplanche.

Speaking to Bernama recently about the issue, which has become a hot topic among Malaysians since Pakatan Harapan’s 14th general election victory, Laplanche said cooperation has been smooth between the two nations investigating the case.

“The cooperation between the judicial authorities in France and Malaysia is very good. They have been in contact with the new Malaysian attorney-general on all issues related to past questions, and I sense a strong willingness to cooperate on both sides.

“These issues are in good hands, and are being dealt with,” he said in an exclusive interview, in conjunction with France’s National Day celebrations this Saturday.

However, he said, he cannot comment further on the matter as the French judiciary is an independent body.

It was reported last month that Defence Minister Mohamad Sabu had said the cabinet would discuss the setting up of a task force to probe alleged corruption in the purchase of two French submarines in 2002, when former prime minister Najib Razak was defence minister.

That year, Najib oversaw the purchase of two Scorpene-class submarines and one Agosta-class submarine from French naval dockyards unit DCN, worth nearly €1 billion (RM4.7 billion).

Shortly after PH took over Putrajaya, Mohamad, better known as Mat Sabu, had said he would get the full picture from the Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) before looking into the details of the issues and scandals afflicting MAF, including the purchase of the submarines. – Bernama, July 12, 2018.