Latest news with #PulauBatuPuteh
Malay Mail
26-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
No charges for Dr Mahathir on Batu Puteh, Anwar says Cabinet made call, not AG
PUTRAJAYA, July 26 — No further action against former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over the sovereignty issue of Pulau Batu Puteh did not override the Attorney-General's decision, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister said the decision was made by the Cabinet, despite the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) having recommended otherwise. 'The RCI had recommended that criminal investigations be initiated against Tun Mahathir for betraying the country and for follow-up action to be taken. 'So, I did not override the Attorney-General's decision; it was a Cabinet decision. Although the wrongdoing was a serious betrayal, considering the circumstances and situation, we proposed that it need not be taken further,' he told reporters after attending the 50th Prime Minister's Cup Debate Finals here today. Anwar was responding to Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan's motion to refer him to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee over his remarks on the RCI into the Pulau Batu Puteh issue. Previously, Anwar said the government has decided not to proceed with action against Dr Mahathir due to age-related considerations. The RCI on the Handling of Matters Related to the Sovereignty of Batu Puteh, Middle Rocks and South Ledge had recommended that criminal investigations be initiated against Dr Mahathir. That recommendation was among those included in the 217-page RCI report that was distributed to Members of Parliament in the Dewan Rakyat. — Bernama
Malay Mail
24-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Perikatan chief whip files motion to refer PM to Rights and Privileges Committee over Pulau Batu Puteh remarks
KUALA LUMPUR, July 24 — Perikatan Nasional (PN) chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan has submitted a motion to Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul to refer Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim to the Parliamentary Rights and Privileges Committee over concerns regarding the Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) into the Pulau Batu Puteh issue. Takiyuddin said he filed the motion under Standing Order 36(12) because the prime minister claimed the RCI had been accepted, but it was later revealed to have been withdrawn, leading to confusion. 'The motion pertains to misleading statements made during the Prime Minister's Questions session on July 22 where the issue relates to the Pulau Batu Puteh RCI. During the session, Hulu Terengganu MP (Datuk Rosol Wahid) raised the matter, and the prime minister appeared to confirm that the RCI had been accepted and its findings would be implemented. 'However, it was later pointed out that the RCI had in fact been withdrawn, and this raised confusion in the parliament,' he said during a press conference at Parliament here today. The Kota Bharu MP said that when he asked for clarification, Anwar referred to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad, 'who is now 100 years old,' and acknowledged wrongdoing had taken place, but explained that the Cabinet chose not to take action to avoid the perception of being unfair. Takiyuddin questioned whether such a decision was within the prime minister's authority, pointing out that Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution gives the Attorney General the sole discretion to initiate or discontinue legal proceedings, except before a Shariah court, native court, or court martial. 'This raises a serious issue: Does the prime minister have the authority to override the Attorney General's powers under Article 145(3)? The Constitution clearly states that only the Attorney General has discretionary power to initiate or stop legal proceedings except in certain courts. 'By stating in Parliament that the Cabinet had chosen not to pursue action, Anwar may have misled the House and interfered in matters under the purview of the Attorney General,' he added. He urged the Speaker not to dismiss the motion and to allow it to proceed through proper parliamentary channels.
Malay Mail
22-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Anwar: Dr Mahathir ‘at fault' on Batu Puteh, but Opposition will cry foul if we take a 100-year-old to court
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 — The Cabinet has reportedly decided not to pursue legal action against former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad over Malaysia's withdrawal of its claim to Pulau Batu Puteh. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said the decision was made in light of Dr Mahathir's age, despite the government maintaining he was at fault. 'We made the decision because it involves a former prime minister who is 100 years old,' Anwar told the Parliament, as quoted by New Straits Times. 'Is he not at fault? He is at fault. Should action be taken? We agreed not to take action.' Anwar added that any move to act against Dr Mahathir could lead to accusations of unfairness by the Opposition. In December 2024, a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) recommended a criminal investigation against Dr Mahathir under Section 415(b) and Section 418 of the Penal Code. The issue stems from his 2018 decision to withdraw Malaysia's application to review the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) ruling on Pulau Batu Puteh. In 2008, the ICJ ruled Batu Puteh belonged to Singapore, Middle Rocks to Malaysia, and South Ledge's ownership would depend on territorial waters delimitation. The RCI did not recommend filing a civil suit against the the former prime minister for misfeasance in public office due to the six-year limitation period for such actions. It also declined to suggest Malaysia submit a fresh request for interpretation to the ICJ, despite the option being available. Dr Mahathir said then he was prepared to face any investigation and emphasised his integrity during his time as prime minister. However, he alleged that the RCI was held to target him, and put all the blame on him for the loss of Malaysia's claim over the island.
