“Who are they to issue a warrant of arrest? We are not subjected to French laws,” he said at a press conference after an official visit by the Thai army chief at the Defence Ministry, aired in full by Mob.tv.
Ahmad Zahid (right)
was asked to comment on the statement made by French lawyer Joseph
Breham, who is representing human rights NGO Suaram in the civil case on
the submarine buys at the French courts. Breham had said that the presiding judge has the power to issue an international arrest warrant if a subpeona is rejected, including putting out a “red alert” with Interpol.
Ahmad Zahid, who previously said he was willing to testify, later said that neither he or anyone from his ministry will cooperate with the inquiry.
The next day, Lawyer Joseph Brehem, rebutted Defence Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi’s statement that the French courts have no jurisdiction over Malaysians.
“French
courts have jurisdiction on anyone, being French or not, as soon as
they are involved in a matter the courts are inquiring on. To say
otherwise is either misleading or erroneous,” Brehem (right in photo) said in a statement issued by SuaramIf the witness refuses to abide by the subpoena, the court can issue a notice mandat d'amener, compelling the witness to appear before it. If the witness (still) fails to oblige, a warrant of arrest may be issued.
“The warrant of arrest is applicable within the French territory, and may be internationalised if the judge deems it necessary,” said Brehem.
PM Najib Razak and Zahid should just cooperate if they are subpoenaed by the inquiry to save the country from further embarrassment, especially if they have nothing to hide.
In fact, Zahid and Najib should voluntarily come forward to clear matters up and uphold truth and justice as exemplary ministers and senior leaders of the country.
Otherwise this will be seen as a clear sign of guilt!
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