Ironic Quote About Submarine Bravery

UPDATE 2 - (9 Dec): "We dived down 30 meters...there's no doubt about it," [Chief Minister] Lim told reporters after returning from the submarine cruise by helicopter at Langkawi International Airport here Friday. Meanwhile Ahmad Zahid who received Lim at the airport said the TD Tun Razak submarine had to travel for 45 nautical miles since 10am before it reached waters deep enough to dive. [Apparently, Defense Minister Zahid, who earlier had criticized senators and PMs unwilling to embark on a submarine dive as not brave enough, has yet to make his own dive.]

UPDATE 1 - (8 Dec): [Chief Minister] Lim also said that despite Zahid’s assurances that the mechanical defect on submarine had been corrected, he had insisted that the vessel be returned to the manufacturer and replaced with a new one.

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Background:
(February 20, 2010): Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said “I will join the crew for a dive test,” adding that the problem was “thankfully, quite minor and of no cost to us because the submarine is still under warranty.” He said he would personally test the KD Tunku Abdul Rahman.

What was the minor problem that had prevented this boat from diving for three months (the generalized description used by officials)? Zahid said the technical defect, which affected the submarine’s high-pressure air valve system, had been rectified by the manufacturer and contractor under a warranty agreement. However, Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Jaafarhad previously characterized defects otherwise (see A and B).

But...

(Feb 28, 2010): Asked if he had participated in the submarine’s test dive, Ahmad Zahid said he was advised against it but stressed he had faith in the Royal Malaysian Navy officers.

And Now.. (December 7, 2011)...
LANGKAWI, (Bernama) -- Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi will accompany Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on a trip onboard the KD Tun Razak submarine on Friday, to disprove opposition allegations that it is unable to submerge.

In a press conference today, Ahmad Zahid indicated that he had sent invitations to all members of parliament (PM) and senators, including those in the opposition, to board the submarine and embark on a diving stint.

The defence minister said that Lembah Pantai MP Nurul Izzah Anwar had replied that she would not be able to participate in the submarine trip.

IRONIC QUOTE About Bravery:
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said those who talked (criticised) a lot were apparently, not brave enough to embark on a trip in the submarine.

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M.E. will follow up whether or not Defence Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi actually boards the KD Tun Razak and the outcome of its intended diving stint.

Submarines are always silent and strange.