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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.
Malay Mail
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Lawyers march in the hundreds for judicial independence in Putrajaya
PUTRAJAYA, July 14 — Around 400 lawyers marched from the Palace of Justice (PoJ) to the Prime Minister's Office complex here today, in a gathering aimed at defending the independence of the judiciary. Organised by the Malaysian Bar, the 'Walk to Safeguard Judicial Independence' was held amid rising concerns over the state of the judiciary, prolonged vacancies in its seniormost leadership, and to call for urgent institutional reforms. At 2:30pm, Malaysian Bar president Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab led the procession from the PoJ down Persiaran Perdana towards the group's final destination at Putra Square, near the Prime Minister's Office, where they intended to hand over a memorandum. Notable figures in attendance included former attorney general Tan Sri Tommy Thomas and PKR deputy president Nurul Izzah Anwar, alongside other prominent lawyers. Several past Malaysian Bar presidents, including Karen Cheah and Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan, were also present. The Malaysian Bar had previously outlined four key points for the memorandum, including a renewed call for a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to be established to probe any alleged interference with the judiciary. The Bar also demanded that leadership positions in the judiciary be filled as soon as possible by judges who command respect from their peers, lawyers, and the public. It highlighted that these vacancies have resulted in some court cases being scheduled for hearing as late as 2030. The organisation of the peaceful walk was mandated by both the Malaysian Bar's statutory duties and a resolution passed at its 79th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on March 15. In that resolution, Malaysian Bar members gave the Bar Council a mandate to take public action — such as issuing statements, submitting memorandums, or initiating legal challenges — to defend judicial independence. MORE TO COME
